We are happy to have Wendy Lyn Phillips as our guest blogger for this issue on What to Pack for a 7-day Caribbean Cruise.

Professional image expert, Wendy Lyn Phillips knows the importance of making a powerful first impression. Her services help men and women create a compelling presence and ensure that your image mirrors your message. Wendy is the author of Naked to Knockout: Beauty from the Inside Out, has owned a successful business for 25 years, writes for local and national magazines and is often featured on Fox news. Reach her at www.NakedtoKnockout.com.

Bon Voyage!

It's almost time to set sail on the high seas. Can you smell the ocean air? Have you watched what you're
eating so that you will feel no guilt over three+ full course meals a day? Have you begun to think about
what you might need and will wear? I know.... some of you are already packed...while others will be
considering this very issue on the night prior to departure. No need to create un-do stress. Even if you
think you know what to pack and you’ve been a nautical knockout before, print off the packing list
below and I bet you will find at least one item you hadn't considered!

Typically on cruises, there's every kind of dresser from “Miss Glitzy-Got-Rocks” who's trying to relive her glory days and this is her once in a lifetime opportunity to feel like the Queen of Bling, to “Mr. I-don't care what-anybody-thinks, I'm not here to impress people, I'm here to have a good time”. And then
there's you! Finding your own balance with what cruise wear vs. casually chic vs. formal really is as
unique as you are. However, on a cruise, there’s nothing that’s too dressy…so get out your diamonds
and evening gown and enjoy the opportunity to put on the dogs. Being both comfortable and stylish
doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be really simple when you have some basic ideas of what to bring.
After 20 years in the beauty and fashion industry, I have been able to minimize my packing from 4
suitcases to only 2 now that I realize I really can survive without 20 pair of shoes in one week! Traveling
light, being organized and looking awesome is a knockout goal that you can achieve too. For more
information or help with your wardrobe and creating a compelling presence, contact me at
www.nakedtoknockout.com.
                                               
Day-by-Day (A sample 7-night Caribbean cruise with one night pre-cruise hotel stay)

Fly to Orlando/Port Canaveral and a pre-cruise night

Sweater set/navy print slacks/tennis shoes (plane)
Shorts (hotel afternoon)
Top and skort/sandals (evening)
Sweaters for cover up are a must as the outdoor temperature can be warm and inside air conditioners can by chilly.

Embarkation Day – Casual – remember this is the day you will have your picture taken as you embark! Smile and wear something that compliments you well in photos.

Shorts and polo top/tennis shoes
Crinkle rayon pants and tunic/black sandals or a casually chic sun dress

Important Note: Carry on the outfits you want to wear to dinner--your luggage might not
get delivered to your cabin in time to change!

Day One (at sea) - Formal
Exercise shorts and t-shirt
Swimwear
Shorts and top
Print cocktail dress/black heels/Pashima wrap or silk scarf

Day Two - Informal
Exercise shorts and t-shirt
Navy paisley shorts and top
Swimwear
Navy or gold pants and shell with jacket/gold sandals

Day Three  - Casual
Exercise shorts and top
Shorts and polo top
Swimwear
Black linen sundress/black sandals

Day Four  - Casual
Exercise shorts and top
Shorts and polo top
Swimwear
Skirt and tunic/black sandals

Day Five (St. Marten) - Formal
Shorts and t-shirt (for sailing excursion)
Swimwear
Shorts and top
Black cocktail dress/black heels

Day Six (St. Thomas) - Casual
Exercise shorts and t-shirt
Swimwear
Shorts and top
Black flowered slacks and cotton sweater/sandals

Day Seven (Disembarkation-fly home)
Navy print slacks and shell with jacket/comfortable shoes

Misc. Clothing and Accessories

Night gowns/robe
Pantyhose/stockings
Bras/panties/slips/ SPANX
White shorts/white slacks/two blouses or polo shirts
Knock around shorts and t-shirt
Flip flops/water shoes
Swimsuits (3)/cover-up – at least 1 should be your pretty-by-the-pool
suit and 1 should be a more “active” suit.
Jewelry
Socks/white tennis shoes
Purses (daytime & evening)/ small evening bags for holding room key, lipstick, mirror and money

Even though I trust the cruise staff, I like to bring a small can of Lysol just for my own sense of
mind. Like most trips where you’ll be around a lot of people; take note on filling up with
Vitamin C and any immune boosters you are accustomed to prior to travel.
                                             
Always in fashion--the Basic Black dress, a sheer beaded jacket, a crocheted silk ribbon
jacket, Pashima shawl & silk scarf. Black patent leather shoes, little evening bag and a classy wrap.

For Men, it’s much simpler ~ here’s a basic list

Night Life:

Tuxedo - Tie, Cummerbund & Belt, Studs. Formal Shirt(s), Shoes & Black Socks
OR Dark Business Suit & Accessories
Sport Coat (to be worn on the plane)
Shirts (2) & Ties (2)
Shoes & Dark Socks
Slacks & Belt
Polo/Golf Shirts (3)
Dockers
Shoes (Socks Optional)
Day Wear
Tee Shirts or Polo Shirts
Shorts
Swim wear (3)
Tennis shoes & socks
Other WearBoxer or Briefs
Sleepwear/Robe
Hat or Cap
Sunglasses
Flip flops

Other Sundries
Sunscreen and lip protector – SPF30 is sufficient according to the American Cancer Society
Shaving kit (his includes what he needs)
Reading glasses
MP3 player & charger
Cell phone & charger
Thermal insulated mug
Travel clock
Short, multi-plug extension cord or power strip
Notebook & pen
Prescription & OTC medicines
Strapping tape/duct tape
Cable ties
Small flashlight and/or night light
Watch
Camera/film or memory cards/extra batteries/binoculars
Favorite gum, chocolate, or healthy snack during travel times to and from disembarkation
or on plane rides

Thanks, Wendy for sharing with us.  For additional cruise wear ideas or image consultation contact Wendy at

https://www.facebook.com/WendyLynPhillips

 and be sure to ask for a copy of her Essential Carry-On Bag list, a must have for any traveler.

10 Reasons I Cruise - Part II

10 Reasons I Cruise

Part II

By Janelle Woodyard 

6)        Value:

One of the reasons why I love to cruise is because of the value. Take this challenge.  Price out what a 7-day vacation would cost.  Include food: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts, and drinks. Include lodging, entertainment, and extra curricular activities.  Then, call your favorite travel agent and start researching 7-day cruises.  You might be surprised at what you find. 

7)        On Board Activities:

Along with the value of the cruise, there are boatloads of activities on the ships.  The cruise lines know how to entertain their guests.  See last week’s blog.  Along with the entertainment, there are a lot of other things to do at no additional charge.  Ships have putt-putt, basketball, volleyball, rock climbing, ping-pong tables, shuffle board, Royal Caribbean has the Flow Ryder and ice skating.  Other activities include cooking classes, bingo, and casinos.  Depending on what your style is, there are onboard activities waiting for you.

For a glimpse of on board activities on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas, visit our January 1st blog post.

8)        Excursions:

Another reason I enjoy cruises is because of the shore excursions. I love going on excursions because it gives me a chance to experience the culture of the place we visit.  I’ve had the chance to take an excursion to Tulum to visit the Mayan ruins.  I’ve zip lined in Belize and canoed in Cozumel.  I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve taken snorkeling trips in the Caribbean.

When it comes to what shore excursions you should take, consider whether you like soft adventures or hard adventures.  Soft adventures consist of walking tours, snorkeling, bus tours, canoe rides, horseback riding, etc.   Hard adventures are more strenuous.  For example, zip lining, rock climbing, ice climbing, scuba diving, ATV tours, etc.   

9)        Adults

If you are cruising without kids there are cruises and cruise lines for you.  We can’t promise there won’t be any children, but the number will be drastically higher on some cruise line than others.  For example, Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean will have more children on them than Princess, Crystal, and Viking River Cruises. 

My husband and I took a Carnival cruise for our 20^th anniversary, and we made good use of Serenity, a child-free zone.  Even though we were on a kid friendly ship, we weren’t inundated with children.  They stayed in their sections, and we stayed in ours and had a fabulous time.

10)      No Worries:

I love cruising because I have no worries.  I don’t have to worry about meal plans for the family.  I don’t have to worry planning activities.  I don’t have to cook, clean, or look at the prices on the menus.  Cruising is a hassle-free, care-free vacation.  When I cruise, I take Bob Marley’s advice, “Don’t worry. Be happy.”

Next week, we will have a guest blogger.  You won’t want to miss what this writer has to say.

10 Reasons to Cruise - Part I

10 Reasons to Cruise

Part I

By Janelle Woodyard

1)   Unpack Once: 

One reason I like to cruise is because once I get on board, I unpack my suitcase and don’t have to repack until it’s time to get off the ship.  I’ve been on non-cruise vacations where I have lived out of my suitcase.  Other vacations required a couple days at several different hotels, and I found myself packing and unpacking every other day. As a traveler, I do what I need to; however, there’s something to be said about hanging my dresses in the closet and putting clothes in the drawers for the duration of a trip.  Need a place to put your suitcase once you unpack?  Stow it under the bed.

2)   Children’ Activities:

As a mom and educator, I always make it a priority to visit the children’s activity areas.  Cruise lines have incredible children’s programs (in particular Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean).  Each of these cruise lines have top-notch programs.  Parents and grandparents can feel secure knowing their little loved ones are well taken care of with crafts, sports, and activities which educate and entertain.  Don’t be surprised if your little one is excited about going back to participate in the programs.

3)   Family and Friend Time:

Cruises allow families and friends to spend time together.  Several years ago, we went on a family and friends cruise to the Caribbean.  We had so much fun and laughed so much.  Even to this day, we all look back at that particular cruise and can reminisce about allthe food we ate and the miles of laughter we logged.  Cruising with family and friends is a fabulous way to make incredible memories.  In fact, I think we’re due for another family and friends cruise.  Where would you want to cruise: Eastern or Western Caribbean?

4)   Food:

Speaking of food, cruise lines have state of the art chefs preparing the cuisine. Not only do they know how to cook, the presentation of the food is truly a work of art.  In fact, sometimes choices on the dinner menu look so inviting, I have a hard time deciding how to please my palate.  I have been known to order a couple appetizers at one sitting.  Dinner menus change every night so what is listed on the menu on Monday night might not be on the menu for the rest of the cruise.  Live with no regrets…especially when it comes to desserts.  https://twitter.com/#!/JanelleWoodyard/status/173500275737362432/photo/1

5)    Family Entertainment:

Cruise lines know how to provide family entertainment from poolside games, comedy routines, to incredible music shows.  Cruise lines offer evening shows of the highest professional caliber.  As a singer, the quality of a show is high on my priority list, and I expect the best from the cruise lines.  There are two music shows I will never forget.  One was a tribute to the Beetles, Ticket to Ride, on Carnival, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj_2DEAKMQ8.  The other one was the hit Broadway musical Saturday Night Fever, on Royal Caribbean, http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2011/05/04/saturday-night-fever-debuts-liberty-seas.  I believe the cruise lines have some of the best talent in musicians, dancers, and singers.

Next week, 10 Reasons to Cruise Part II.  What are some reasons you cruise?

Carnival Dream Ship Tour

Increase in Cruises Boost Sales In Brevard

Cruising in the Caribbean has never been more popular.  As tourists continue to visit Port Canaveral, local businesses are profiting.  According to today's issue of Orlando Business Journal, 

"Cruises making a stop at Port Canaveral have increased from just 31 visits four years ago, 

to 129 this fiscal year. The port saw about 293,000 port-of-call passenger visits last year."

Read More at 

Florida Today

Related:

 Travel, Brevard County 

Costa Concordia Accident

Below is an article written by Polly Dunbar.  We wanted to give you our thoughts concerning this great accident. Cruising vacations are a fantastic way to see the world and travel to places you would never go. It is considered one of the safest ways to travel. Do not be discouraged about cruising, but embrace the safety of the industry and continue to make your plans to proceed on the dream vacation you always wanted.

Thanks, Douglas Woodyard

By Polly Dunbar

Since the 1980s, the cruise industry has boomed, with more than 19 million passengers taking one last year and nine or more newly-built cruise ships of 100,000 tonnes or greater being built every year for the past decade.

Traditionally, the vast majority of cruises have been taken by Americans to the Caribbean islands, but the Mediterranean market is rapidly expanding, 
with Italy the prime destination.
Cruise liners are designed for pleasure voyages, in which the surroundings and the luxurious ameneties are the major focus of the experience, 
rather than the transportation itself.

As a result, they are built differently from ocean liners, which usually have high freeboards and stronger plating to withstand adverse conditions encountered in the open ocean, such as the Atlantic, and lower fuel consumption. Cruise ships also have U-shaped bottoms, whereas ocean liners - including the 1,132-ft RMS Queen Mary II, which is often used for cruising - usually have deep V-shaped bows to help them power through the waves.

However, as an industry, cruising has a safety record generally regarded as excellent. Over the past two decades, an estimated 90 million passengers have enjoyed a cruise without major incident. The overwhelming majority of deaths on cruise ships are from natual causes or suicides.  
Although cruise ships appear to be top heavy, most of their weight is at the bottom, while the structure towards the top is designed to be comparatively lightweight.

According to Malcolm Latarche, editor of the global shipping magazine IHS Fairplay Solutions, the 950-ft Costa Concordia, which was built in 2005, 
was designed to standards comparable with ocean liners.
‘The Concordia was capable of travelling across the Atlantic, or anywhere in the world. It was considerably smaller than the Queen Mary II, 
but it was built to the same standards,’ he said.
‘Modern cruise ships are built to be as sturdy and safe as possible. 
They have to be - they can be carrying thousands of passengers.’ 

Mr Latarche believes the Concordia disaster may have been triggered by an electrical fault, which caused a loss of power in the ship and led it to crash into rocks.

‘Although the damage caused to the ship was severe, there are many safeguards in the design of a state of the art cruise ship to prevent it turning over. There is a second hull within the outer hull. Inside the inner hull there is a steel structure like an ice tray to contain the water and prevent it spreading through the ship.

‘In this case, the master rightly attempted to return it to the shore, but it seems to have keeled over because it hit shallow water on the coast. An ocean cruise ship is not designed to float in 20ft of water. It needs much more than that to remain upright.’

Passenger ships - defined as any ship carrying more than 12 passengers - must comply with International Maritime Organisation regulations, 
which cover every aspect of the construction and operation. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2086831/Costa-Concordia-cruise-ship-pictures-Trapped-survivor-Manrico-Giampedroni-airlifted-safety.html#ixzz1jYxgLPvC

Liberty of the Seas

This Christmas we took a cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean ship "Liberty of the Seas". We had a blast and wanted you to see the ship and what it has to offer.

Visit www.needacruise.me and let us book your next cruise.