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Great Explorations ! Travel  

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          World Cruise Headquarters !

We specialize in  Luxury Cruises ...Luxury River Cruises.....

& Grand Voyages or World Cruises

Join our mailing list for our Ensemble HOSTED sailings !

 

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Travel the world over....and with the Best Value!

Celebrating our 18th year !

 

(See complete Hosted World Cruise 2013 &2014 list below---with all our Extra Hosted Amenities !)

 Now booking World Cruises & Grand Voyages for 2014--and 2015. Email us !

Here's our story.......

I have a great love of cruise ships.....the wanderlust of travel......the history of the ocean liners.....and just being out on the sea.

You can travel almost anywhere in the world on a ship...........parked in one stateroom with your own balcony......and such wonderful food and service in familiar "Western Food" and other amenities that you will be comfortable with. Dennis and I often are Hosts to groups onboard the luxury ships and it is our favorite way to travel. Our kids have grown up cruising---it is also their favorite way to travel and see the world.

All cruise lines are different..........each has its own personality............

our specialty is that we understand how to match YOUR personality and budget to the cruise line that will give you the vacation you are dreaming of.

In addition to my 18+ years as a Cruise Specialist................I have had a busy career in the better clothing industry for 35+ years. Bottom line----I have a GREAT understanding (I do believe) of the upscale customer -----in all aspects of their life. We have a unique combination of expertise !

Cruise ships really know how to cater to the upscale customer.........and this is the customer that we understand. We are a part of one of the very largest travel organizations in the country ..........we help people from all over the US to plan their cruise vacations........and at the best value in the industry ! After 16 years......we are very proud of our experience in the cruise industry and feel we have a great deal to offer you.

We are big believers in this kind of a vacation.............no packing and unpacking......most meals and entertainment are included....no rental car.....no deciding what where to go to dinner............and you can see the world from a cruise ship ! 

While this started as my passion-----Dennis quickly joined in. He loves this mode of travel as much as I do. Please join our mailing list ! When we are planning to Host a group for Ensemble---we would love to have you join us ! We have travelled EXTENSIVELY----------with many more places to go.

Here is something Dennis thinks is fantastic-------Golf all over the world !...........via a Cruise Ship !  Many of the larger cruise ships offer private lessons, driving ranges, and putting greens on board. Packages generally include round-trip transportation to the course, greens fees, and a shared cart. You can also rent clubs--and shoes at some courses--if you don’t want to bring your own along. Golf the finest courses---everywhere!

Cruise Ships also have fabulous Spa's.........are a great place to get Married and have everything taken care of for you.....a long voyage is a great place to write a book or your memoires........the possibilities just go on and on.

Joan Dann

Please see my published article on "How to pick a World Cruise that is right for you !"

https://dennis-dann.searchwarp.com/swa771404-How-To-Pick-The-Right-Around-The-World-Cruise-For-You.htm

 

And....."How to Pack for a World Cruise or Grand Voyage"

https://dennis-dann.searchwarp.com/swa777688-World-Cruise-What-To-Pack-For-A-World-Cruise-Or-A-Grand-Voyage.htm

 

from Dann

   
   

Also-----We Host a few cruises a year Personally ! Join us !

Dennis & Joan Dann

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Email Us!

 

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A few notes on World Cruises............the trip of a Lifetime !

Magellan led the first World Cruise, and since then it's been the ultimate way to explore the world in luxurious comfort. We showcase all of the World Cruises....Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Cunard, Crystal, Holland America, Princess.....all over these exquisite long voyages.

As proud members of Ensemble Travel Group, we offer many extra amenities with our full World Cruises !

(See complete World Cruise 2013 list below !  Now booking 2014 & 2015...email us for details !)

 We have an onboard Host.....included Shore Excursions in addition to any that may be offered by the Cruise line for World Cruisers....Special Cocktail Parties....onboard credits...(all in addition to those that may be offered by the cruise line themselves)

....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected)

from Dann Men's Clothing.

You will want plenty of Formalwear choices for the many Formal evenings at sea....several new pair of Golf Pants and Shorts....Knit Shirts...etc.

(To our knowledge...this is a special perk unmatched by anyone.)

Also....it cannot be stressed enough.......

When you book a World Cruise, you will want to book with someone with years of experience with the better lines. We will help you go around the world...with all of the proper documents and Visas.....etc. I will stay in touch with you throughout your entire World voyage or Grand Voyage.

Please email us....we will call you at a convenient time for you. We look forward to helping you.

Joan Dann

 

 See one of my published articles at the bottom of the page..........

"The Elegant Packing Light List for a Cruise".

 

Please Email Us!.......... We look forward to helping you !

 

www.Dann-Online.com

"Some people have good therapists...others have really good travel agents."

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We sail all the better lines...............and will find just the right one for you ...........

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 We have an onboard Host.....included Shore Excursions, cocktail parties........in addition to any that may be offered by the Cruise line for World Cruisers

....Special Cocktail Parties....onboard credits...(all in addition to those that may be offered by the cruise line themselves).

For the FULL Voyage Cruisers...there are many additional extras----get together's---etc.

Its great fun and you will get to know your fellow full voyage passengers. It becomes a special club.

....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (based upon the voyage and category selected)

from Dann Men's Clothing. (Highly unusual in the industry and an added perk from us !)

  Seabourn Quest

116-day Seabourn World Seabourn Cruise----2013----Last Call !

Ensemble Travel Group

 

    
 
Hosted Cruise
 
  
 
 
 
Cruise Line     Seabourn
Ship   Seabourn Quest   
Sail Date(s)   1/6/2013
Your Exclusive  
 
  • Complimentary Experience Shore Event:
  • NUKU' ALOFA - "Leaving Your Legacy" - Nuku'Alofa Discovery with a Visit to Holonga Primary School
  • CAIRNS - Cairns Sights, Art Trail & Gardens
  • HO CHI MINH - "Leaving Your Legacy" - The Pearl Of Vietnam City Highlights
  •  
  • Travel Host
  • Complimentary Traveler Cocktail Party
  • ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected) from Dann Men's Clothing
  •  
  • Restrictions apply. Offer not combinable with all fares shown and may be limited to bookings made in select cabin categories. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Please contact us for full details.
  • Ports of Call   Fort Lauderdale, Isla Catalina, Kralendiijk, Oranjestad, Panama Canal, Cristobal, San Blas Islands, Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Papeete, Bora Bora, Rarotonga, International Dateline, Gain Day, Nuku Alofa, Lautoka, Lifou, Noumea, Brisbane, Sydney (Australia), Hamilton Island, Townsville, Cairns, Thursday Island, Komodo, Benoa (Denpassar), Pare Pare, Hong Kong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh (Phu My), Sihanoukville, Ko Kood, Bangkok, Singapore (city), Langkawi, Phuket, Cochin, Mumbai, Dubai, Khasab, Muscat, Salalah, Safaga, Jordan, Sharm El Sheik, Cairo, Suez Canal, Ashdod (Jerusalem), Haifa, Bodrum, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Corfu, Dubrovnik, Triluke Bay, Venice
    Number of Days   116

      

        
     

      

     89-day Crystal Cruises---Full World Cruise - Los Angeles to London Cruise--------2014

     Ensemble Travel Group

     

        
     
     Hosted Cruise
      
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Cruise Line   Crystal Cruises
    Ship   Crystal Serenity
    Sail Date(s)      1/18/2014
    Your Savings  
  • Call us for Best Available Savings
  • Your Exclusive  
     
  • Complimentary Ensemble Experience Shore Event:
  • GUAM
  • SHANGHAI
  • HO CHI MINH
  • JAKARTA
  • TAKIRADI
  •  
  • Ensemble Travel Host
  • Complimentary Ensemble Traveler Cocktail Party
  • ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected) from Dann Men's Clothing
  •  
  • Restrictions apply. Offer not combinable with all fares shown and may be limited to bookings made in select cabin categories. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Please contact us for full details.
  • Ports of Call   Los Angeles, Hilo, Honolulu, Guam, Saipan, Okinawa, Tokyo (Yokohama), Osaka, Nagasaki, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Chan May, Ho Chi Minh (Phu My), Bangkok, Sihanoukville, Singapore, Jakarta, Mauritius, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Walvis Bay, Luanda, Bom Bom Island, Takoradi, Dakar, Agadir, Lisbon, London (Dover)
    Number of Days   89
         
     
          

     

     
     

     

        
     

        

     

        

    72-day Miami R/T - Circle South America Cruise---2013----Last Call !

    Ensemble Travel Group

    Route

     
     
     Hosted Cruise
     
     
    Cruise Line   Regent Seven Seas Cruises
    Ship   Seven Seas Mariner
    Sail Date(s)   1/7/2013
    Your Exclusive  
     
  • Complimentary Experience Shore Event:
  • MANTA
  • USHUAIA
  • SANTOS
  • MANUAS
  •  
  • Travel Host
  • Complimentary Traveler Cocktail Party

    ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected) from Dann Men's Clothing

    Ports of Call   Miami, Willemstad, Oranjestad, Cartagena, Manta, Guayaquil, Salaverry, Callao, Pisco, Matarani, Antofagasta, Coquimbo, Santiago (Valparaiso), Puerto Montt, Puerto Chacabuco, Laguna San Raphael, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Port Stanley, Puerto Madryn, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta Del Este, Rio Grande, Porto Belo, Santos, Parati, Buzios, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador De Bahia, Forteleza, Fortaleza, Macapa, Alter Do Chao, Boca Da Valeria, Manaus, Parintins, Santarem, Devils Island, Bridgetown, Gustavia, San Juan, Miami
    Number of Days   72
  •  

     

        

        113-day Holland America Grand World Voyage - Ft. Lauderdale R/T Cruise------2014

        Ensemble Travel Group

        
     
    Hosted Cruise
      
     
     
    Cruise Line     Holland America Line
    Ship   Amsterdam   
    Sail Date(s)   1/4/2014
    Your Exclusive  
     
  • Complimentary  Experience Shore Event:
  • BORA BORA- Available for full world cruise guests only
  • HONG KONG- Available for full world cruise guests only
  • CAPE TOWN- Available for full world cruise guests only
  •  
  • Travel Host
  • Complimentary  Traveler Cocktail Party
  • ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected) from Dann Men's Clothing
  •  
  • Restrictions apply. Offer not combinable with all fares shown and may be limited to bookings made in select cabin categories. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Please contact us for full details.
  • Ports of Call   Fort Lauderdale, Puerto Limon, Panama Canal, Crossing the Equator, Manta, Lima (Callao), Easter Island, Pitcairn Islands, Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, International Dateline, Lose Day, Lautoka, Noumea, Ile Des Pins, Sydney (Australia), Brisbane, Yorky's, Lae, Madang, Crossing the Equator, Yap, Cebu, Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Phuket, Colombo, Crossing the Equator, Victoria, Port Louis, La Possession, Durban, Cape Town, Walvis Bay, Jamestown, Georgetown, Crossing the Equator, Banjul, Dakar, Mindelo, Bridgetown, Roseau, Philipsburg, Fort Lauderdale
    Number of Days   113
       

    75-day Grand Pacific and Far East Voyage

    Ensemble Travel Group

     
     
    Hosted Cruise
     
     
    Cruise Line   Holland America Line
    Ship   Amsterdam
    Sail Date(s)   9/20/2013
    Your Exclusive  
     
  • Complimentary  Experience Shore Event:
  • NHA TRANG - Nha Trang Highlights with Lunch
  •  
  • Travel Host
  • Complimentary Traveler Cocktail Party
  •  
  • ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected)
  • from Dann Men's Clothing
  • Ports of Call   Seattle, Los Angeles, Hilo, Honolulu, International Dateline, Gain Day, Majuro Atoll, Pohnpei, Guam, Mariana Islands, Saipan, Kobe, Naha, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Nha Trang, Singapore, Muara, Kota Kinabalu, Manila, Cebu, Yap, Crossing the Equator, Rabaul, Guadalcanal, Luganville, Lautoka, International Dateline, Lose Day, Pago Pago, Bora Bora, Papeete, Moorea, Rangiroa, Nuku Alofa, Crossing the Equator, Los Angeles
    Number of Days   75
     
     

     

    68-day Grand South America & Antarctica Cruise---2014

    Ensemble Travel Group

     
     
    Hosted Cruise
     
     
    Cruise Line   Holland America Line
    Ship   Prinsendam
    Sail Date(s)   1/5/2014
    Your Exclusive  
     
  • Complimentary  Experience Shore Event:
  • Buenos Aires
  •  
  • Travel Host
  • Complimentary Traveler Cocktail Party
  •  
  • ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected) from Dann Men's Clothing
  • Ports of Call   Fort Lauderdale, Puerto Limon, Panama Canal, Manta, Salaverry, Callao, Arica, Coquimbo, Santiago (Valparaiso), Puerto Montt, Castro, Chilean Fjords & Channels, Puerto Chacabuco, Scenic Cruising Darwin Channel and Chilean Fjords, Amalia Glacier, Cockburn & Beagle Channels, Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Glacier Alley, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Palmer Archipelago, Danco Coast, Antarctic Sound, Puerto Madryn, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Armacao dos Buzio, Salvador, Recife, Forteleza, Belem, Crossing the Equator, Amazon River, Santarem, Boca Da Valeria, Manaus, Parintins, Amazon River, Devils Island, Bridgetown, Willemstad, Oranjestad, Fort Lauderdale
    Number of Days   68

     

    57-day Grand Africa & Mediterranean Cruise - Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip---2014

    Ensemble Travel Group

     
     
    Hosted Cruise

     
     
    Cruise Line   Holland America Line
    Ship   Prinsendam
    Sail Date(s)   3/14/2014
    Your Exclusive  
     
  • Complimentary  Experience Shore Event:
  • Buenos Aires
  •  
  • Travel Host
  • Complimentary Traveler Cocktail Party
  •  
  • ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected) from Dann Men's Clothing
  • Ports of Call   Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, St John, Philipsburg, Mindelo, Praia, Banjul, Dakar, Tenerife, Las Palmas, Arrecife, Agadir, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Motril, Barcelona, Mahon, Sardinia, Naples, Lipari, Syracuse, Kotor, Korcula, Ravenna, Venice, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Argostoli, Gythion, Alexandria, Port Said, Ashdod, Haifa, Alanya, Mamaris, Ephesus, Athens (Piraeus), Katakolon, Rome (Civitavecchia)
    Number of Days   57

     

    120 Day World Voyage

     
     
    Ensemble Hosted Cruise
     
     
     
    Cruise Line   Cunard Line
    Ship   Queen Mary 2
    Sail Date(s)   1/10/2014
    Your Savings  
  • Call Us For Best Available Savings
  • Your Exclusive  
     
  • Complimentary Ensemble Experience Shore Event:
  • COLOMBO - (Full World Cruise Passengers Only) "Leaving Your Legacy" Colombo Exploration
  • SDYNEY (Full World Cruise Passengers Only)
  •  
  • Ensemble Travel Host
  • Complimentary Ensemble Traveler Cocktail Party
  • ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected) from Dann Men's Clothing
  • Ports of Call   Southampton (London), Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, At Sea, Walvis Bay, Cape Town, Durban, At Sea, Mauritius, At Sea, Perth (Fremantle), At Sea, Melbourne, Sydney (Australia), Brisbane, At Sea, Whitsunday Island, At Sea, Darwin, Bali, Perth (Fremantle), Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney (Australia), Brisbane, Cairns, Kota Kinabalu, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh (Phu My), Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Colombo, Dubai, Muscat, Sokhna, Suez Canal, Port Said, Suez, Rome (Civitavecchia), Lisbon, Southampton (London)
    Number of Days   119

    95 Day World Voyage - Round Trip Ft. Lauderdale

     

     
     
    Ensemble Hosted Cruise
     
     
     
    Cruise Line   Cunard Line
    Ship   Queen Victoria
    Sail Date(s)   1/12/2014
    Your Savings  
  • Call Us Best Available Savings
  • Your Exclusive  
     
  • Complimentary Ensemble Experience Shore Event:
  • MONTEVIDEO (Full World Cruise Passengers Only)
  • AUCKLAND (Full World Cruise Passengers Only)
  •  
  • Ensemble Travel Host
  • Complimentary Ensemble Traveler Cocktail Party
  • ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected) from Dann Men's Clothing
  • Ports of Call   Fort Lauderdale, Barbados, At Sea, Fortaleza, At Sea, Rio de Janeiro, At Sea, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Cape Horn, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Amalia Glacier, Pio XI Glacier, Puerto Montt, At Sea, Santiago (Valparaiso), At Sea, Easter Island, Pitcairn Islands, At Sea, Papeete, Moorea, At Sea, International Dateline, Lose Day, At Sea, Suva, At Sea, Noumea, At Sea, Brisbane, Sydney (Australia), At Sea, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, Auckland, Bay Of Islands, Nuku Alofa, International Dateline, Gain Day, Pago Pago, Hilo, Oahu, San Francisco, Punta Arenas, Panama Canal, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Fort Lauderdale
    Number of Days   93

    110 Day New York to Southampton

     
     
    Ensemble Hosted Cruise
     
     
     
    Cruise Line   Cunard Line
    Ship   Queen Elizabeth
    Sail Date(s)   1/18/2014
    Your Savings  
  • Call Us For Best Available Savings
  • Your Exclusive  
     
  • Complimentary Ensemble Experience Shore Event:
  • SYDNEY (Full World Cruise Passengers Only)
  • DUBAI (Full World Cruise Passengers Only)
  •  
  • Ensemble Travel Host
  • Complimentary Ensemble Traveler Cocktail Party
  • ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected) from Dann Men's Clothing
  • Ports of Call   New York City, Fort Lauderdale, At Sea, Oranjestad, At Sea, Limon, Panama Canal, At Sea, Punta Arenas, At Sea, San Francisco, At Sea, Honolulu, Lahaina, At Sea, International Dateline, Gain Day, Pago Pago, Nuku Alofa, At Sea, Tauranga, Auckland, Bay Of Islands, At Sea, Sydney (Australia), At Sea, Brisbane, At Sea, Whitsunday Island, At Sea, Rabaul, Sydney (Australia), At Sea, Kochi, Tokyo, Kobe, Nagasaki, Pusan, Shanghai, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Chan May, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Colombo, Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Aqaba, Sharm El Sheik, Sokhna, Suez Canal, Port Said, Suez, Naples, Palma de Mallorca, Lisbon, At Sea, Southampton
    Number of Days   110

    108-day Full World Silver Celebration Cruise (Miami R/T)-----2015

     

     
     
    Ensemble Hosted Cruise
     
     
    Cruise Line   Crystal Cruises
    Ship   Crystal Serenity
    Sail Date(s)   1/15/2015
    Your Savings  
  • Call us for Best Available Savings
  • Your Exclusive  
     
  • Complimentary Ensemble Experience Shore Event:
  • GUAYAQUIL
  • PITCAIRN
  • MELBOURNE
  • TAOLAGNARO, MADAGASCAR
  • BUENOS AIRES
  • SANTAREM
  •  
  • Ensemble Travel Host
  • Complimentary Ensemble Traveler Cocktail Party
  • ....plus a very nice Gift Certificate (up to $500 based upon the voyage and category selected) from Dann Men's Clothing
  •  
  • Ports of Call   Miami, Dominica, Curacao, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Manta, Guayaquil, Salaverry, Lima, Easter Island, Pitcairn Islands, Papeete, Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Sydney (Australia), Melbourne, Adelaide, Albany, Perth, Port Louis, St Denis, Madagascar, Maputo, Richards Bay, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Macapa, Alter Do Chao, Santarem, Devils Island, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, Miami
    Number of Days   108

     

    Please see my published article on "How to pick a World Cruise that is right for you !"

    https://dennis-dann.searchwarp.com/swa771404-How-To-Pick-The-Right-Around-The-World-Cruise-For-You.htm

       
       

     

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    Dann Men's Clothing

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    Great Explorations! Luggage

          

    Adventure Bags from Dann

     

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    Dann Formal Wear

    (for your formal nights at sea !)

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    Dann Golf Shop

    (Golf all over the world---as you cruise ! See info below)

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    Safari Baskets from Dann

         

    Personalized Luggage Tags from Dann

     Luggage & Bag Collection

    Personalized !

    Personalized

    Leather Journals

    Personalized Traveller Wallet Collection

    Personalized with your Three Initials

    F1005 - Leather Briefcase Flap Over - Adventure

    Adventure Bags

    from Dann Clothing

     

    Built Well Cottons

    Corbin Chinos

    Wrinkle resistant...Water resistant...Stain Resistant

    100% Cotton

    Fabulous pants for travel !

    World Traveller Barware

     

    Hand Painted Indian Head Penny Cufflinks Hand Painted Spain Coin Cufflinks Hand Painted Denmark Krone Coin Cufflinks

    Authentic Hand Enameled & Hand Painted Cufflinks

    Coins from Around the World !

     

    Adventure Hats

    Authentic Breathable, Packable, Crushable !

    The perfect Travel Hat

     

    Titanic Oceanliner Barware

     

     

    The Elegant (but Lightweight) Pack List for a Cruise

    By Joan Dann, Great Explorations ! Travel



    Packing light is challenging for an elegant cruise. What you bring on
    a cruise depends a great deal of the kind of ship it is.........casual or
    elegant.........and your plans for "fine dining".

    With today's newest and very stringent 50 pound weight limit for bags
    on airlines, packing well for a vacation became just a bit harder. If you
    are sailing a ship with all the elegant evenings, this takes special
    forethought on your part. Even though they say that its two formal evenings,
    three "informal" and two "casual"........you are sitting in such elegant
    surroundings and eating a wonderful 5 course meal (with incredible
    service)...........you will want to look your best every evening ! Consider
    that this will be like a fabulous dinner party every night ! One more great
    things about cruise ships is that you unpack once. Once something is in your
    closet onboard--you are set. But now that your suitcase can only contain 50
    pounds, or you pay a surcharge, you must really think this through ahead of
    time.

    Here are some of my thoughts...........
    Most ships provide robes, beach towels (both on deck and if you are
    going ashore to the beach) and hair dryers...all depending on your level of
    accomodation. Check on this for your particular cruise............and if
    they are provided then leave these items at home.....that's half a suitcase
    right there !

    Ladies----If you are planning on "fine dining"-----Think thru 7
    wonderful evenings of dinners and cocktails beforehand. Think Black !! Black
    or cream flowy pants or skirts topped with several different jackets, dressy
    dinner jackets, big satiny tops..........if you pack separates you will have
    so much more milage. Bring several evenings handbags......a nice selection
    of jewelry........several different pair of dressy shoes..........several
    bright colored Pashmina-type shawls are PERFECT. This will give you lots of
    color over your basics and different little accessories to mix and match.
    These little things that do not take up much room but will make allllllllll
    the difference. Remember...........half the beauty of cruising is that you
    have these elegant evenings. On a recent cruise, I brought 2 jackets with
    me --one Black flowy elegant one that worked well with black accessories and
    flowy black pants for elegant evenings and one Coral one (for a punch of
    color over basic bottoms) and wore my Navy Blue Blazer on the plane with me.
    In addition to dinner, we had lunch in the nice dining room three times,
    breakfast there twice and High Tea one afternoon. All worked over basic
    bottoms. (I love to wear my Navy Double Breasted Blazer over cream or white
    pants--I always feel so nautical !) For casual clothes, you will want fun
    things............some wrap skirts..........bathing suit (or two !) and
    cover-ups (bright sarongs are great), flip-flops & fitness workout clothes
    (be sure to bring a pair of sneakers for the workout room and to wear for
    shore trips). Cruises can be so romantic and you will feel so pampered, be
    sure to bring along a soft and silky robe and negligee as well.
    Now.....stand back. Carefully look at what you have......and then possibly
    edit yet again. For the lightest wardrobe........take only black basics, a
    cream or white pant, and lots of accessories. The online shopping shows sell
    a great number of those nice knit wardrobe sets that really look great and
    are really elegant. Order a Black Jacket and Pant and long skirt. They roll
    up and you can accessorize them like crazy ! Be sure you have some sort of
    Jewelry Roll for jewelry. I do not wear all that much jewelry at home but
    when you are dressing for dinner every night on a cruise, its the bracelets
    and necklaces that I have collected in our travels that I reach for. For
    shoes I bring one pair of little gold flats that are elegant and a pair of
    Black "Slides" heels.......that work with everything including being fine
    for elegant evenings in addition to the flip-flops and sneakers. I also have
    a pair of black flat sandals with little straps on them. They do not take up
    any room, are comfortable and work with everything from casual to elegant.

    Kids------Remember no shorts in the nice dining rooms ! I have found
    that kids really love these nice evenings and dressing up. Be sure they
    bring some nice pants, dress shoes, dresses, a Navy Blazer for boys as the
    elegant dinners are really a great experience for them. Where else can they
    have 5 courses of anything they want ?? Shrimp cocktails and lobster always
    a hit. Teenage boy still hungry ?? What else would he like ? Another lobster
    tail ? (Take lots of pictures-this can be great family time !) I also feel
    that this has been a wonderful opportunity to expose our kids to Fine
    Dining.

    Men---Quite Easy ! (Of course !) Tuxedo -optional...........but very
    nice for the formal evenings. (Certain ships it is not optional) Dark Suits
    also work on some ships.You may consider bringing two tuxedo shirts or two
    different sets of Tuxedo Stud Sets for variety. Navy or basic blazer and
    dress pants...dress and sport shirts...several neckties....dress
    shoes.....khaki pants....knit shirts.....basic shorts....workout
    clothes...casual shoes...sneakers...flip-flops....bathing suit....golf
    clothes if golfing ashore. Hawaiian type shirt for fun ! A short sleeve
    linen solid sport shirt with a collar is lightweight and perfect for casual
    evenings.So much depends on the kind of cruise ship you are sailing. (By the
    way, Golf shoes as well as golf equipment can be rented.) For longer or very
    elegant cruises, I highly recommend a White Dinner Jacket, as there is
    simply nothing more dashing. (On a recent 21 day Seabourn Mediterranean
    cruise, my clients had 6 Formal nights ! You need something other than one
    black tuxedo for all of this !)

    You can check two bags with the airlines and carry-on one more. With
    the new weight rules of a 50 pound limit, people are finding that carrying
    two of the mid-size suitcase is a better choice than one giant one. I
    carry-on a garment bag (full of my dress clothes) and a very full large
    purse. Bring some sort of granola bars or snacks, bottled water, your meds,
    and reading material with you on the plane.....airport and runway delays are
    all too common and food is no longer served onboard as it once was. Also, I
    always carry-on my bathing suit and sarong and some of my evening clothing
    in the hanging bag with me. If my luggage is lost, I will still have
    something to wear to dinner and can go to the pool ! (I do not find
    replacing a bathing suit at all easy ! There are nightmare stories of
    luggage lost and people sailing with the clothes on their back only.)

    Other Good Basic tips.....

    ~Buy on collapsible, fold-up carryon bag. We have one at the bottom of
    our suitcase constantly--never take it out----and cannot tell you how many
    times its service has been enlisted for new purchases. My husband and I each
    have one and both were used on our last cruise.
    ~ Pack a pad of Post-It notes to leave messages for your cabin steward
    (you will get to know him !), family, and shipboard friends.
    ~ Have a supply of one-dollar bills handy for tipping airport skycaps
    and porters at the pier.
    ~ Don't pack photo film in checked luggage as new airport screening
    equipment could ruin it. Put it in your carry-on instead. Bring plenty
    of film and Batteries (even if you don't think you need batteries ! )

    ~ One of my traveler friends told me about putting a rubber band
    around wallets in your back pocket will inhibit pickpockets. Some "ports of
    call" have large pick-pocket communities....unfortunately.

    ~ Toss a few empty plastic bags into your suitcase. You may need them
    later to pack dirty or damp clothes or for creams or shampoo bottles.

    ~Walkie-Talkies are great for families sailing. Great way to
    communicate and stay in touch ! (Particularly important if you are traveling
    with teenagers !)

    ~ Tuck fabric softener sheets between garments as you pack to keep
    clothing fresh during travels. Foot-powder spray for your shoes (you may be
    doing a lot of walking) and some sort of freshener for the bathroom.

    ~ Bring your own travel alarm clock most staterooms do not have them.
    Be sure to wear a watch on a cruise as well. Your daily schedule will become
    a well-worn piece of paper that is with you at all times.....chock full of
    great lectures, classes, events, parties, floor shows, Casino
    Events...etc.etc. Bring your own way to keep track of the time.

    ~A nightlight is great for inside cabins, particularly. They are DARK.

    ~ This idea is for anyone who lives in a colder climate and is
    traveling in winter to a warm weather cruise. When you put your summer
    wardrobe
    away for the winter, set aside the casual outfits, sandals, swimwear, and
    sleepwear you want to wear on your cruise and store them in the suitcase you
    plan to use. You'll be at least half packed and won't be hunting down an
    outfit or a pair of shoes later. You will also free up some drawer and/or
    closet
    space at the same time. Hang your evening clothes in a separate area of your
    closet and pack them when you're ready to leave for your trip.

    ~ Pre-address stick-on labels for postcards to the folks back home &
    you won't have to carry along a bulky address book. Don't forget email
    addresses !! All ships today are "connected" and you may want to fire off a
    quick note to family and friends....maybe even forward photos to
    them....from the ship.

    ~All those elegant and lovely Five-course meals at night need a bottle
    of wine ! Did you know that you can carry on your own wine and will simply
    have to pay a $10 or $15 corkage fee (plus tip) ? When you consider that you
    already own many of these bottles and that the normal price onboard starts
    at $40....you are ahead of the game by packing and bringing your own. Simply
    divide them up.....wrapped in a plastic grocery bag.....amidst soft
    clothing. I have done this often and have not had one break yet. But check
    on this ahead of traveling....some cruise lines no longer offer this option
    and many have made recent changes.

    ~ Binoculars ---lightweight, small ones..........particularly for
    Alaska, Hawaii, Europe !

    ~A compact umbrella. I now carry one that is tiny--6" long--in a
    little carrying case.

    ~Your own insulated water bottle with carrying strap. Another great
    item to have in your tote to carry ashore. I fill with some on that non-stop
    ice cold water my Cabin Steward keeps constantly refreshing.

    ~A hanging Toiletries kit for the tiny bathroom. Limited counter space
    is always a problem so making good use of vertical space is a good idea. I
    cannot tell you how valuble this item is in those small bathrooms ! It is
    found space.

    ~ Print cards with your name, address, phone number, & email address
    to share with new friends. Having your cards handy sure beats hunting
    for pens & scribbling on scraps of paper to swap addresses. Fun,
    inexpensive, colorful cards can be ordered online from a company called
    www.vistaprint.com. (Allow plenty of time to order and receive these !)

    ~ Leave any paperback novels you've finished for the crew library.
    You'll have more room in your suitcase and crewmembers will have fresh
    reading material--they will really appreciate this !

    ~ Don't forget to pack and USE your sunscreen. Why take the chance of
    a nasty sunburn ruining a great cruise vacation? Protect your skin from
    injury and aging. Throw in something for Sunburn too. People have a way of
    overdoing on vacation.

    ~Emergencies can happen...if they did you would want important info at your
    fingertips...A strong suggestion that everyone carry the following important
    items with them at all times on a vacation outside of the United States
    (this includes all cruises): Make two copies of your passport, driver's
    license, and credit cards before leaving home-in addition to your Cruise
    Documents, and Trip Travel Insurance. Leave one set of copies in a safe
    place on your ship. Leave the other copies of Trip Travel Insurance with a
    friend or family member at home. Also a good idea....
    A laminated color copy of the front page of your passport
    A laminated copy of your U.S. driver's license (could be on the back side of
    your passport
    A credit card with at least $10,000 available credit
    Enough cash to resolve potential issues
    Complete contact information (including emergency contact information)
    Travel Insurance policy number, copy of the policy, and contact number for
    claims
    Any special medical instructions that would be mandatory in an emergency
    medical situation A way to reach your Travel Agent "24/7"---ask them for
    that number !

    If the ship's purser holds your passport (which is sometimes the case, to
    expedite clearing the ship in foreign ports), carry the passport copy ashore
    with you.

    ~ Check the balance of your on-board account before the end of your
    cruise. Straighten out any discrepancies immediately (check your balance a
    couple of times during your cruise) and avoid a long line at the Purser's
    Desk that last morning after your final bill arrives. Actually, try to do
    the final late in the afternoon of the last night...try to beat the rush !
    Many ships now have the ability to do this on the tv monitor in your
    stateroom. It is really quite easy and avoids those long lines.

    ~ Don't you all look gorgeous in your formal attire? Have a family
    portrait
    taken to preserve the memory. There's no obligation to purchase any
    photos you don't care for.

    ~Don't forget work out clothes. They say you can gain 2 pounds a day
    on a cruise ship from all the fabulous food ! "You come on as a passenger
    and leave as cargo." Bring your sneakers and get ready to sweat a little at
    a class or in the exercise room. Relax afterwards in their wonderful saunas
    and steam rooms. The onboard steam rooms are one of my absolute favorite
    things to do.

    ~and my all time favorite..........(depending on what type of trip,
    ship, elegance level etc etc)...........bring t-shirts you might want to
    work out in.......sleep in..........tour in...that you will wear and leave
    behind as they are dirty.......this will give you room in your suitcase for
    your wonderful purchases made while traveling....a little more room in a
    drawer at home for your new purchases once you return. This is a VERY
    important tip if you are trying to pack light. Let's say you are planning to
    sail the Mediterranean this summer for 10 days. You are flying over 4 days
    early to do some touring..........maybe flying into Paris but then sailing
    out of Rome. Packing "disposable clothing" for those 4 days is really a
    great idea.

    Have a wonderful trip ..........Bon Voyage !........there is no better
    way to travel, in my opinion.

    Joan Dann can be reached via her website at
    www.Dann-Online.com and
    email her at
    dann@dann-online.com.
    She is President of Great Explorations ! Travel and a Cruise Expert.
    She is also Co-Owner of Dann Men's Clothing & Dann Formal Wear as well as
    other upscale shops at
    www.Dann-Online.com
    and also has 35+ years in
    the better clothing business. She has a solid understanding of the Luxury Customer.