Top 12 Rookie Cruiser Mistakes

Some fans are BSB cruise pros. They've been on all 4 cruises and can navigate these ships without a map. They can tell you how each deck party works. They can even probably tell you what order the boys will be standing in for the photo group. Others are not nearly up to speed. For many cruisers, especially this year, this is their first time on the high seas with the Backstreet Boys. This is literally a once in a life-time experience and it's important to make the most of it. Here are some mistakes for rookie cruisers to avoid in order to make the most of your Backstreet cruise.

1. Not bringing comfortable clothes
   
   
   Yes, I know we all need to look cute for the boys at all times, but trust me when I say there is a lot of standing around. Pack comfortable shoes. You can still wear heels for the meet & greet, but I strongly encourage some flats too. I can't tell you how many girls I've seen at the deck parties in their 5'' heels who look utterly miserable.
   
   Also be prepared for all types of weather - hot, cold, rain. We've experienced them all. Take this into particular consideration when planning your theme outfits because we've had more than one deck party in the rain.
   
   
2. Flying in the same day
   Just don't do it. Not worth the stress. Plus I find the boys will often have pre-cruise events that would require you to get in a day or two early anyway.
   
   
3. Not meeting new people
   
   
   
   I can't encourage you enough to meet new fans both on board and before the cruise. Half the fun of the experience is being able to share it with other fans. Go out of your comfort zone and chat up your fellow cruisers.
   
   
4. Travel with compatible friends
   Just because she's your best friends in real life, doesn't mean she'll make a good BSB cruise companion. You and your friends should envision the same type of experience. For some its a cruise vacation where BSB happens to be there too. And for others its a BSB event that happens to take place on a cruise. Slight but important difference.
   
   For example - some fans prefer to sit outside the boys' cabins all day while others want to sit by the pool and couldn't be bothered as to Kevin's current whereabouts. Some fans need to be front row for every event and are willing to put in the time, while others are perfectly content hanging in the back at the bar during the sail away party.
   
   There's no right or wrong way to do it, but make sure on the same page as the people you're traveling with. You don't want to resent someone for holding you back from how you want to experience the cruise
   
   
5. Stalk the boys 24/7
   
   

   I suppose you can if you want....but I don't encourage it. It's all about striking a balance between enjoying the boys and enjoying your vacation. Plus you tend to run into one of them when you're not least expecting it.
   
   
6. Have a realistic budget
   
   
   Budgeting for this type of vacation is tricky because there are so many hidden expenses that you don't anticipate. Even though the cost of the cruise covers pretty much everything you need once you're on board - shopping, drinks, excursions, will all be an additional cost. I also find that you're inevitably going to want to buy new clothes, theme outfits, get your hair and nails done, and even buying things for your door decoration. Not to mention airfare, hotels, pre/post-cruise associated costs, and potentially a pre-cruise event. It adds up!
   
   
7. Over packing/ Under packing
   
    
   The reality is you're going to need a lot of different types of clothes due to the nature of a BSB cruise. You'll need swimwear, formal clothes, meet & greet outfits, theme night outfits, etc. It's not uncommon to change 4-5 times a day just given the schedule of events. Once we get the itinerary, I encourage you to plan your outfits and don't pack more than what is needed. Cabins are small and you don't have room for excess. Plus you'll likely want to go shopping so leave extra room in your suitcase.
   
   
8. Take care of yourself
   We all daydream about running into AJ at the buffet, hanging out with friends by the pool, and rocking out at the concert. But what we don't envision is lying in bed sick in the cabin. I've had many friends who have missed events because they were seasick or just under the weather. Unfortunately it happens. You're traveling, you won't be getting a lot of sleep, you'll be pushing your body a lot, and most importantly you'll be in vicinity of Nick Carter who is notorious for being sick.
    
   This may seem obvious but stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, bring medicine, and be prepared for potential seasickness.
   
   
9. Don't stress about the photo group
   Many fans like to have their photo groups pre-planned, and that's great if you found your perfect group and you're all set. However if you don't have a group planned before the cruise, that's 100% okay too. I personally think there's something to be said for staying flexible - you may meet new friends or if you're anything like me, you'll change your mind by the hour on who you want to stand next to in the photo. And if you don't have anyone to take a picture with, that's okay too. Rose Tours will pair you up with others who need a group.
   
   
10. Embrace the fandom
    
    
    This is the one time you can REALLY let your inner fangirl out. Embrace it. You can comfortably dork out over unreleased songs or how you used to have posters covering your walls in middle school (and perhaps still do have posters covering your walls). I love seeing people get super into the theme nights or door decations (myself included).
    
    
11. Strategize when to arrive early
    Here's my trick. I pick and choose the events I want to make the effort to get there early for. Anything with fan participation, it can pay to get there early (not always though). I don't think its realistic to be front row for everything, so I choose a couple of events to get there early to get a good spot. The rest of the time I try not to stress. I've also found that while other fans may be camped out up front for a deck party, if I'm running late I may see the guys headed to the deck party before anyone else gets to see their costumes. And that can be a lot of fun too!
    
    
12. Stay positive
    
    
    With an event like a BSB cruise, our expectations can be almost unreasonably high, to the point where things will not necessarily go as you planned. You will have an amazing time, but speaking for myself, I know that emotions will sometimes get the better of me. An event may get rained out. Another fan may cut you off in your attempt to get a picture with Howie. Your run-in with Brian may not go as amazingly as you had planned it out in your head. Maybe Nick didn't notice the outfit you spent weeks putting together.
    
    Whatever happens though...don't let it get to you. Plus no one wants to be around someone who's constantly complaining. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and remind yourself how incredibly fortunate you are to be on the cruise in the first place.

FAQ

I'm so overdue for an FAQ section on this site as this blog is accumulating more and more posts. I find people reach out to me and largely ask the same questions. So not that I don't love hearing from you all, because I most certainly do, but I figured I'd aggregate all of those questions for you in 1 place in hopes to answer the most often asked questions. I also hope to keep adding to this as needed so keep checking back.


I hear the guys go around knocking on cabin doors, is that true?

Yes, AJ did go around knocking on cabin doors the first cruise and visited with fans. Supposedly Howie stopped by a few cabins as well. AJ made his way to 2 decks. Thus there is always the possibility they'll do it again, but nothing I'd want to get my hopes up for.

When did they announce the themes last year?

Last year the themes were announced on August 19th, which was a little over 3 months out.

What's the deal with the pre-cruise party?

For both of the past cruises the Backstreet Boys held a pre-cruise event the night before in Miami. In 2010 they did an acoustic show with the option for a meet & greet; in 2011 they did a club event also with the option of a meet & greet. In 2013 they did no pre-cruise event. When they did have an event, it's something that wasn't announced until 1 month before the cruise. So please keep it in mind as you make your travel arrangements, but my advice would be not to count on an event.

Do you get the meet the guys?

Yes, you get to the Backstreet Boys at the meet & greet photo event. That is the ONLY time you are guaranteed interaction with them. That said, there are plenty of other opportunities during the cruise to see them and interact with them- both at official events and just roaming around the ship. I think a lot of it is luck and a lot of it is just how assertive/dedicated you are.

What's the deal with the plug situation?

I seem to remember 1 outlet in the room and maybe 1 in the bathroom. Basically count on a limited number of outlets. Some people like to bring surge protectors, however I've also heard they can get confiscated. So bring at your own risk. We had 3 girls in the cabin and managed just fine sharing. It just takes coordination and consideration of your roommates. I think the only thing I used an outlet for was my hair straightener and to charge my camera. I didnt need to charge my phone since I wasnt using. Overall it wasnt really an issue.

How do I buy VIP?

I think this is one of the most popular questions from new cruisers. You CANNOT buy a VIP for the cruise. They do have VIP sections for certain events, however its primarily designated for the boys, their friends, family, staff, etc. The staff have been known to hand out VIP bracelets to randomly chosen cruisers so its 

Tips for dressing around the ship/theme nights? How many formal outfits do you need?

So at night definitely consider the fact that you will be outside on a windy deck with the ocean. It will be chilly. Pack layers and plan your theme outfit accordingly. I know there were a couple times I had my nice theme outfit planned and it pretty much was all for nothing when I had to throw a sweatshirt on over it.

Some people like to dress up for dinner every night. So if that's something you like to do, pack a few nicer outfits. The dining room does have a dress code. Though if it's not your thing, there is nothing requiring you to get dressed up and you can always eat at the informal buffet should you choose.

As for walking around the ship during the day, many people opt for beach/pool type clothes. You'll also see BSB shirts floating around. I'd recommend something comfortable and something you're okay possibly running into a Backstreet Boy wearing.

How does the group photo work? How many people and when does it happen?

For the photo shoot- you basically get in a group with 10 girls and show up to the photo session at your designated time. On the past cruises its been held on the last day. Ideally you want to form a group with other people in your dining seating (either Group A or Group B) and you find all your Howie girls ahead of time. Sorry- but you know I speak the truth! If you don't have a group ahead of time, or your group is incomplete, don't worry. Rose Tours will make sure you have a full group before getting your photo taken and match you up with others who also need a group. But I think its best to be prepared if you're particular on who you stand next to.
UPDATE- On the 2013 cruise they changed the group sizes to 4-5 girls. For the 2014 cruise they have been promoting smaller group sizes thus I would anticipate it to be around 4-5 fans this upcoming trip as well.

What time in the morning do the events typically start?

Typically there were no events in the morning. The earliest we ever had something was noon- which was the photo shoot. So feel free to sleep in should your heart desire.

When should I arrive to the port in Miami the day of the cruise?

This is another common question and the answer is- it's really up to you. You can get there as early as you'd like. They let you on the ship as soon as its cleared by customs and the previous cruise has emptied off. The BSB cruise website says we board at noon, and generally speaking they'll let us on around noon or even as early as 11am. That said, it could be earlier or later. You just NEED to be there before the ship sets sails at 4pm.

The Backstreet Boys themselves generally get there on the earlier side. I'd say 10ish. They will check in separately in a special VIP area so they aren't mobbed by fans. They will also board prior to everyone else. If you want to see them board, get there early.

As for me, I personally get there as early as possible. In my head the sooner I get to the port, the closer I am to the front of the line to board, and the sooner I can get on that ship and start my vacation. I probably shoot to get there around 9-9:30. Im also a paranoid traveler and don't like to take ANY chances missing that ship. I also find these few hours while you're waiting in the terminal is a great place to meet up with friends you've been looking forward to meeting because once you're on the ship, all hell breaks loose.

Can you tell me more about the door decorations?

They hold a contest where you can opt to decorate your door with any sort of BSB-related decoration you'd like. The winner will be announced during the cruise and in the past the winner gets front row seats to the concert on board. If you're looking for ideas- generally the ones with a clear theme seem to do well. Lots of people put up collages of sorts but the themes help set you apart. I've seen a lot of people do Christmas themes, beach/cruise themes, and movie themes were popular. I also found that having something 3-D makes your door stand out. And this is something you don't have to participate in if you don't want to. No matter what you decide, just have fun with it!

Can you tell me more how the roommate match program works?

If you are a solo traveler and are so gung-ho about going on the BSB cruise but can't convince anyone back home to go with you, the roommate match program is for you! When you book your cruise you have the option to book a cabin with the roommate match program, and you will be matched based on several different criteria. You will not find out your roommate until a little over a month out from the cruise. I did this program the first year and didn't have any major problems. Most people I know who have done it were very positive with their experience. My biggest frustration was that I couldn't work on my door decoration until last minute. But I would definitely recommend this for anyone who is traveling solo.

Will I get sea-sick? If so, what should I do?

Hopefully not, but you should prepare yourself, particularly if you've never been on a cruise before. If you're prone to motion sickness, you should take even further precaution. Since I luckily don't really get seasick, here are some words of wisdom from my not so lucky friend who did....

If you're prone to motion seasickness, seasickness is nothing like it. It's much worse! And I found that regular motion seasickness medication didn't work. If Nick Carter points out that the ship is rocking, you will instantly feel it - even if you didn't before! Haha. I went to my doctor and she prescribed those bracelets that some people wear. I'm sure those and other knickknacks work for mild sickness, but I'm not willing to gamble my once in a lifetime experience again. I got REALLY sick. That said, not everyone will. I just think it's better to be prepared for it then to spend the first day curled up in a ball.  The best advice I have is to get on the boat and hit the Customer Service desk. For a couple of dollars you get four pills. Each pill lasts twelve hours. Most importantly - take it a half hour before the boat departs. Once you're seasick, it can't be undone.

To expand on her experience, guest services will give you medique (meclizine hydrochloride) 25 mg. It’s an antiemetic. Apparently good stuff.

What should a first time cruiser expect?

I would say to expect to have the time of your life with your friends, meet some wonderful new friends, no sleep. You'll laugh, you'll cry. Tons of great unique BSB events that you can only get on the cruise. On the flip side I would NOT expect to literally hang out with the backstreet boys for 3 days.

What's the best part of the BSB cruise?

Everything!! Seriously though, its such a unique experience that nothing else even comes close. A concert is only 2 hours of BSB but on the cruise is 3 days! And in that 3 days there are so many special moments that you can only get here. Like you'll be eating dinner and casually look across the room to see Brian eating with his family. Or you'll be chilling at the pool and see Nick walk by.

On top of that the events themselves are so unique. You get game shows, beach parties, deck parties, etc. I just feel like you dont get to see BSB in some of those environments anywhere else. Even outside of the events there is BSB-stuff everywhere! BSB TV, door decorations, music playing by the pool, etc. In the "real-world" I jump for joy hearing IWITW on the radio....on the cruise its everywhere. Like a magical Backstreet utopia!

Beyond BSB themselves- for me its all about hanging out with my friends & making new friends who all share the same level of passion I do for BSB. These people all understand 110% what the backstreet boys mean to me and its so nice to share this experience with them. You can walk up to anyone on that ship and just talk for hours to them sharing stories and experiences. This is really my favorite part! I know have so many life-long friends because of the past 2 cruises.

What's the worst part of the BSB cruise?

The only negative thing for me is that there is so much anticipation leading up to the trip and my expectations are so high for it that its tough for the cruise to live up to my expectations, though so far its been able to. Its just natural that things won't always go as you envisioned so I've found you can't let the little things get to you or it will ruin your trip. Things will inevitably go wrong. You might have someone spill a drink on your outfit you've been planning out for months. You might end up getting seasick. Whatever it is. Just stay optimistic and have the time of your life!

Any suggestions if I don't have anyone to travel with?

If you decide to come by yourself, they do have a roommate match program so they would pair you up with 1 other random roommate. I've heard mostly positive things about the program. Another idea is to search on the fanclub, twitter, or facebook for other people going and looking for roommates.There are a couple closed facebook groups that I'm more than happy to invite you to, just shoot me an email and I'll get you invited!

When we book a ticket, is there a payment program?

They do have a payment plan. If your room was $1000 you pay the $300 deposit, then $300 a few months later, and $400 for the final payment. And obviously that would adjust depending how much your cabin cost. Rose Tours requires 3 payments. But I know some people will call more frequently, say the end of every month, and pay less for each payment. I've found Rose Tours is very willing to work with you on your payment as long as they get their money at the end of the day.

How much time do you actually get with the Boys? 

So time with the boys...this is a tricky one to answer. As I've said numerous times, you need to go in with realistic expectations. If you think you're going to have dinner with Nick every night, you'll be sorely disappointed. There are 2000 girls on the ship and only so much BSB to go around. You can probably do the math. The only guaranteed interaction you have will be at the M&G/photo session. However I think its fair to say you'll see plenty of them. You'll prob see them wandering around the ship, at all the events, maybe catch them at a few of the meals, in the elevator, etc. My advice here is go in expecting very little interaction, and you can only be pleasantly surprised when you get more.

I'm traveling from overseas. Is it worth the thousands of dollars it would cost me to get there? Or should I just buy a VIP the next tour?

Well, I think so but with a few caveats. Obviously this is a trip you only consider if you can afford it. If you're going to rack up major credit card debt, it's not worth it. But assuming you can afford it, I think if the roles were reversed and the boys did a cruise outside the US; I would probably make a vacation of it and extend my trip. So I'd recommend anyone traveling to the states to take a few days to explore Florida, go to Disney World, or even fly to other major cities in the US that interest you.

I think a lot of this cruise is what you make of it. If you have a positive attitude and make the most of it, it will be a great trip and thus worth the money. My other advice is try to meet some new friends. That's one of the best parts for me. Being able to share your love for BSB with girls who feel the same. Plus theres a lot of down time. BSB doesnt entertain us 24/7. So having people to hang out with during those down times is great. The cruise is such a unique experience that you'll remember forever. A VIP is so quick. I def recommend the cruise over a VIP.

Do you have to participate in everything?

You dont have to participate in anything if you don't want to. A lot of people bring their boyfriends/husbands who dont really go to the events, they'll just choose to hit the casino or something instead. It's your vacation so you can do whatever you want. Some girls would rather go explore some of the islands rather than go to their beach party, because they've traveled so far to be there. But I do highly recommend in participating in everything they do.

Do you think booking the more expensive cabins are worth it in order to get better seats?

I personally don't think so, but I know many girls who disagree with me. My personal opinion on the matter is that its not worth the extra hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get a few rows closer. The lounge is small enough that even being in the last row isn't that bad. You'll have plenty of opportunity to see them up close around the ship and you also have to remember that not all the events are held in the lounge. Last cruise there were only 2 events in the lounge. Plus you could put that money towards another cruise or doing a VIP on tour. If you are lucky enough to book early and get a good reservation number, than you should be fine. My advice is save the money!

But to make Im impartial and present both sides, I have friends who did the suite. They like it and will do it again because they liked not having to worry about possibly being in the back and risk not being able to see.

If you book early, will you have a better seat for the BSB shows on board?

Yes, the earlier the book the better your seat should theoretically be. If you book a suite- it shouldn't really matter because you'll be guaranteed to be in the first 6 rows regardless. However if you're gonna book a cheap cabin like me, the earlier you book the better. They will assign the rest of the seats beyond the 6th row based on your reservation number. So the earlier you reserve, the closer you'll be to the stage.

How do they pick fans to participate in games/concerts/events?

Fans are picked differently depending on the event. For some events- like karaoke, you got an email before the cruise started and you could sign up. Then Rose Tours randomly selected a few people to be chosen. Then there's things like the prom queen, and those girls were chosen because they had a lucky item placed in their goody bags when they got in the room. So that was random.

The girls who got picked at the beach party were a mixture of the boys picking people on the spot. But also members of the Rose Tour staff seemed to be grabbing people to sign up as well. If you ever see a Rose Tour staff with a clip board before an event, thats generally where you should be. For the game shows- I think you have to show up early and Rose Tours staff was picking people. In 2013 they started drawing names from a bag, which I like because it gives everyone a fair shot. I think those are your primary ways to be chosen. I have yet to be picked for anything, so as always, take my advice with a grain of salt. But it seems to be a lot of luck or being in the right spot at the right time.

Will my cell phone work on the cruise?

When we're in the middle of the ocean- no, you will not have service. When we're docked in port, it will work, but if you're outside your country you will most definitely incur crazy roaming fees. My advice is to turn your phone off once we set sail and not turn it on until we're back in Miami. I've just heard such horror stories on coming back to obscene bills. If you simply can't go 3 days without your cell phone and need to get in touch with work or loved ones back home, I recommend checking with your carrier and adding the appropriate international voice/data plan.

When do we get the itinerary?

Two weeks before we set sail.

Do I have to tip?

No, your tip is included in your fees. Though feel free to leave an additional tip for your cabin steward or waiters if you feel they've gone above and beyond.

How much should I expect to spend?

In short, a lot. I'd budget at least $2,000 and even more depending on your cabin. The lowest I've heard someone spend on the entire experience was $1,800. Factoring in the cost of the cruise, travel, accommodations, pre-cruise shopping, merch/drinks on board, pre-cruise events, etc. It all adds up to a lot more than you'd anticipate.

How much cash/spending money should I bring? Do I even need to bring cash?

I personally am not a big spender on the cruise. The items that cost extra are drinks (including sodas), spa services, casino, shopping, specialty restaurants, excursions, cabanas, etc. But you don't pay cash for any of it- its all on your sail & sign card. You can tie your sail & sign card to your credit card and not have to worry about carrying cash at all on board.  Even the backstreet boys merchandise, you can charge to this card.
As for how much- it really depends on your spending habits. You can get out of there without spending any extra money- but realistically if you want some souvenirs and or splurge on any of the extras you'll want anywhere from $100-$300.

Are there professional photographers on board?

For BSB events- Justin will be taking pictures. He'll post them on backstreetboys.com afterward. Though in my opinion, there weren't a whole ton of pictures. There will also be a videographer, though for the 2011 cruise they never did anything with that footage. So I wouldn't count on these pictures, even though you'll see them feverishly taking videos/photo.

What does Group A do when Group B is having their event & vice versa?

Short answer- whatever you want! Generally when the other group is having their events, in some ways its a bit more relaxing because I know exactly where the boys are and that I cant run into them. But I also find I'm anxious because it KILLS me knowing they're doing a concert like 30 feet away and I'm not there. Some times the other groups event will be happening during your dinner. So you'll still have something to do. And if not Id suggest its a good time to relax, get ready for your next event, or even steal in a quick nap.

Will there be time to change for the theme nights?

In years past some people would get dressed before dinner- but i also feel it really depends on the theme. You could wear a prom dress to dinner, but not a Halloween costume. There is time in between events to change. Remember, they run on backstreet time! If they say the deck party starts at 12, you can safely assume the boys wont show up at that time. They're gonna be putting on a concert and then need to go get ready themselves. So dont stress about not having time.

The only caveat here is that like most events- the sooner you get to them, the better spot you'll have. So by taking that extra time to change later in the night, might set you back a tad. But if you're not the type who needs front row for everything, then you'll be fine. Plus its kind of hard to define what a good spot really is, because the guys move around the deck anyway.

How do you meet up with people? Should I bring walkie talkies?

I know I put walkie talkies on my packing list, and I've tried bringing them before but they ended up sitting in my suitcase. I found they were too burdensome to carry around. Maybe there are smaller models these days, but Im not sure. I ended up meeting my friends the old fashioned way, remember those days before cell phones? Yeah, we were able to function! So basically just deciding on when and where to meet. You can also call each others cabins, so jot down all your friends' numbers. Otherwise I find people generally hang in the same spots. Some will like to hang in the lido buffet, others by the pool, casino, etc. Generally if I wandered around for 10 minutes I could find my gang or I'd run into someone else I knew. The ship isn't that big.

I have a gift I'd like to give to the boys. How do I give that to them?

So here's the official word on gifts:
"Gifts will NOT be permitted at any BSB scheduled events. Gifts can be left at the hospitality desk. Please consult your itinerary for Hospitality Hours. Your gifts will be delivered to BSB."
I personally wouldn't want to leave a gift for them; half the fun there is seeing the reaction. But there is this option if you don't care about giving it to them directly. The only time you are guaranteed to interact with them is at the meet & greet, and they are VERY strict about not letting you bring anything in there. The only other way to get them a gift is getting lucky. You might have a chance elsewhere on the ship if you run into them. So if you're dedicated to the cause, you can carry it with you and hope you'll bump into one of the guys and give it to them then.

What do people wear to dinner?

Honestly you see a range of everything from fancier dresses to borderline t-shirts. You'll fit right in if you want to get dressed up. Though sometimes they have formal night where people do get a bit more dressed up. Personally I like to do a sundress to dinner on most nights.

FYI the dress code:
Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs). Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, & sleeveless shirts.

 

Packing Light

Last year I gave a complete run down of everything you could possible ever need under the sun and the explanations to go along with them.  Feel free to refer to the incredibly thorough packing list if you’d like. However this year I wanted to provide a more condensed/efficient version of the packing list- just the basics. I keep having to tell myself that we're only cruising for 3 days!

Clothing

• Casual wear for 3 days
• Nicer outfits for dinner- Refer to Carnival's website for complete dress code info
• Photo shoot outfit
• Themed outfits with any accessories you’ll need
• 80s night
• Prom night
• PJ night
• Dressy shoes
• Sneakers/socks- Only if you think you’ll wear them
• Workout clothes- If you’re feeling up for it
• Pajamas- to actually sleep in
• Sweater, shawl, warp, sweatshirt- Just something to keep warm
• Flip flops
• Bathing suit/coverup
• Bras and underwear

Accessories

• Accessories/jewelry
• Sunglasses
• Hair ties and hair accessories
• Clutch/Little purse/bag to carry around ship and to dinner
• Beach Bag
• Watch – very few clocks on board.

Personal Care

• Makeup
• Aspirin
• Bandaids
• Any necessary medication
• Hair straightener/dryer
• Dental Care - toothbrush, toothpaste
• Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap/Lotion- Bring at your discretion as they should have it available on board.
• Perfume
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen
• Razor
• Manicure set
• Tampons/Pads- If you’re unlucky

Electronics

• Camera and camera supplies (batteries, battery charger, extra memory cards)
• iPod with charger and earphones
• Cell phone and charger

Documents/Don’t Leave Home Without

• ID- Passport or certified birth certificate and license 
• Money including small bills ($1) for extra tipping not included in the cruise price
• Credit card/Checks/Travelers checks or whatever else you use to purchase items
• Flight confirmation
• Hotel conformation
• Pre-Cruise event confirmation
• Cruise/Rose Tours conformation
• Fun Pass
• Car rental conformation
• Contact info and cabin numbers of your friends

BSB Related

• Door decoration materials- scissors, tape, glue, or whatever else you need to prettify your door
• Sharpie and anything you might want signed

Other

• Gum/mints
• Paper/Pen
• Corkscrew/Wine- If you want to bring your own on, you can.
  

Yikes, even the condensed version of the packing list seems insanely long and daunting. Don't worry, it's not as bad as it looks though.

9 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

There are a few things you should look out for in order to fully enjoy your vacation. Here are a few common pitfalls you should watch out for based on my own experiences and other horror stories I’ve heard.

1. Travel with someone who is incompatible. Even though this person may be your best friend, if you have different ideas about what you want to take away from this cruise, it will make a miserable vacation for the both of you.
   
   
2. Stay in your cabin the whole time. My parents would always tease me for staying in the cabin and watching TV. But you can do that at home. Go out and make every second count! This especially holds true on our Backstreet cruise.
   
   
3. Not putting on sunscreen. You’re in the Caribbean and the sun will be powerful. You don’t want to be a nice lobster color for your picture with the boys.
   
   
4. Go unprepared. Make sure you pack everything you need while you will be away. You can always buy new toiletries or get a new shirt, but if you forgot your passport or medication, you’re toast.
   
   
5. Exceed your budget. You can do just fine on board without spending any extra money, but there are opportunities and temptations around every corner for extra spending. Casino, shopping, specialty restaurants, excursions and more. Plan out your budget and stick to it.
   
   
6. Overpack. While this is a tough thing to balance with Pitfall #4, its all about being efficient. Don’t overestimate the size of these cabins. They are cozy. Pack just what you need and you will be fine. And this pitfall is in honor of one of my lovely cabin mates. You know who you are ;)
   
   
7. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Not everything will be perfect. You’re not going to love every morsel of food you put in your mouth and you may run into issues where your toilet will temporarily not flush (yes this does happen) But if you focus on these unimportant details, you are going to make yourself and people around you miserable.
   
   
8. Don’t travel the day of the cruise if you can avoid it. There’s just too much that can go wrong and its not worth it. Trust me.
   
   
9. Remember that this is your vacation, not a BSB stalkfest. I promise you that you will enjoy the cruise significantly more if you enjoy the beautiful scenery, food, swimming, music, activities, drinks, etc rather than camping outside of Nick’s room for hours just to catch a glimpse of him.

No Time to Waste: 15 Steps to Help You Make the Most of Your Cruise

While I wish we had 7 glorious days with our boys in the Caribbean, alas, we only have 3 days.  3 days is just not a lot of time! I thought 4 days was too short last year…and now we have to compress all that fun into just 72 hours. Here are 15 steps to help make sure you don’t waste a second and really make the best possible use of your time.


Step 1: Pack efficiently and plan out your outfits ahead of time. On any given normal day, I probably waste a good 5-10 minutes in the morning just figuring out what I’m going to wear, how I’m going to wear my hair, picking out my accessories, etc. Know ahead of time what you want to wear for each event and during the day so as to minimize the time spent your cabin.

Step 2: Don’t stress about meeting up with your friends on the ship. Let me explain. You won’t have cell phones out on the sea so it becomes rather difficult to meet up with people. In my cruising experiences, we’d always pick times and places to meet people. Say meet 3:00 in the casino so we can grab an afternoon ice cream together. The problem is that either you or one of your friends will be running late. Granted, its usually me who’s running behind… But I still didn’t like the feeling where if I was in the middle of something, to have to drop what I’m doing. I’d suggest telling your friends a general sense of where to find you throughout the day. And more often than not, you’ll end up running into each other anyway.

Step 3: Do as much of your door decoration as you can ahead of time. When you finally get on the ship, the last thing you want to be doing is whipping out the glue and scissors to complete your door. I had mine 99% assembled and it took me less than 5 minutes to get it up and head on my way. I’m so glad I did this because as soon as I stepped on the ship, I felt like a kid in a candy store. Just too much to do!

Step 4: Study the deck plans before you leave. No time to waste getting lost and hitting dead ends once you’re on board. For example if you try to go from one end of the ship to the other via Deck 8, you’ll soon realize you can’t make it because the galley is in the way. You have to either go a deck above or below to cross through.  Little things like that can mean all the difference in the world if you found out Howie is taking pictures for only a few minutes by the pool.

Step 5: If you don’t like standing in lines, I’d suggest eating during off hours as to avoid the chaos that is the lido buffet. If you try to go to the buffet for lunch at noon, you’re going to waste significantly more time in line waiting to get your egg rolls than if you do lunch around 1:30. Just keep an eye on their hours or you may miss some of the good food.

Step 6: Get to the terminal early on Friday! Carnival will let us board as soon as it is possible, which can be as early as 11am. If you are first in line at the terminal, you are first to board the ship, first to check in, and the first to start cruising with the Backstreet Boys!

Step 7: If you plan on getting off the boat in Nassau, there is usually a mad dash as soon as the ship is cleared where everyone wants to get off and explore. If you aren’t in a rush, I’d suggest you wait for the crowds to die down and then head off the ship. If you give it an hour or two, you’ll find there will be no lines and you can walk right off.

Step 8: Take advantage of the ship when we are docked and the majority of people aren’t on board. It is during this time that everything will be empty and will have no lines. So if you wanted to check out the gym and not have to wait for a treadmill to open up or go for a dip in the pool- then is the time to do so.

Step 9: Research what to do in Nassau ahead of time. There’s a ton of fun things to do in Nassau, so decide with your friends if you’d rather do a more relaxing day on Cable Beach or if you want to explore the Atlantis resort.  Don’t waste time once you’re there arguing on what to do.

Step 10: Take care of yourself! Pack any potential medicines, vitamins, first aid, sunscreen, etc that you might need. Also be wary of any foreign foods you are consuming. You obviously can’t enjoy your trip if you’re cooped up in your cabin all day being sick to your stomach or bright red from a severe sun burn. And I speak from experience on sunburns since I typically turn as red as a lobster. Damn me and my pale skin.

Step 11: Don’t sleep in. This is tricky because on the one hand you have AJ staying up until 6am….but meanwhile Howie is up at like 9am getting breakfast. Giving you a whopping 3 hours of safe sleep a night. So even if you are up all night partying with AJ, don’t be tempted to hit the snooze and sleep in until 1pm. You’ll miss too much fun. I even heard of girls sleeping through some of the events. Plus I love getting breakfast at sea with the warm ocean air and beautiful scenery to take in. So my advice is grab a red bull and sleep when you get home.

Step 12: Take advantage of the time when it is the alternate group’s event. You’ll be less stressed about running into a Backstreet Boy and everything theoretically should be 50% less crowded. So use this time to squeeze in a quick cat nap or do something that would otherwise generally be more crowded.

Step 13: Take the stairs when possible. I don’t know about anyone else, but I wasted a lot of time waiting for elevators on the last cruise. May as well get some exercise and save yourself some time by taking the stairs. Especially if I’m going down, I really don’t have any excuse.

Step 14: No need to get to the events early. You have assigned seats in the main lounge so you don’t have to stress about not having a spot. Plus you have our boys running on Backstreet time, so you’ll really just be sitting there for a while anyway. Now there is one slight caveat to this. If it’s an event with potential crowd participation, Rose Tour Staff would pick people from the crowd before the event started. So if you do want to get up on stage and participate, it may be a good idea to get there on the early side for those specific events. Otherwise, no need to get there early.

Step 15: Carry your own luggage unless you can’t do it yourself. You’ll waste time on both embarkation and debarkation waiting for your bags.

Cruising 101

For many of you this is not just your first Backstreet Boy cruise, but this is your first cruise period. So I wanted to put together a list of my most important cruise tips, tidbits, and recommendations. For many of these categories I’ve already given a full run down in previous posts, but here is the cliff notes version of the tips I think are most important. Plus a few new ones as well.

Planning

• If possible, arrive a day early. Too many things can go awry with flights so it’s nice to give yourself a little buffer. That ship will not wait for you if you’re late.
• Make sure you have all your passports/visas/ID/documentation all set to go as soon as possible.
• Approximately 2weeks prior to boarding you should get an email from Rose Tours instructing you to “check in” for your cruise and print out your Fun Pass, which acts as your boarding document for the cruise. Don’t forget this!

Packing

• Plan for all sorts of weather. Yes, you’re in the Caribbean but you’re on the water thus it gets chilly at night on the deck or in the main theaters.
• Think about what you want in your carry on. Similar to a flight, you have the option to check some of your luggage and Carnival will deliver your suitcases directly to your room. If you choose this option, make sure you pack items in your carry on that you will need those first few hours aboard. For example, if you want to get your door decoration up right away, make sure you have everything you need with you. Or if you want to take a dip in the pool right away, take your swimsuit.
• Despite my massive packing list, my biggest tip is to not over pack. Consider exactly what you will need and want you want to wear for each event. Pack no more, no less.
• Finally, don’t stress too much about packing! There are shops on board that will contain some of the essentials you may have missed. Plus there are tons of other friendly girls who would be more than willing to lend you a hair dryer should you forget.
  
  
  

Embarkation

• Get to the port early- While they instruct you to get there between 1 or 2 and don’t set sail until 5pm; they will almost always let you board between 11-12.
• Bring proof of citizenship and a credit card/cash deposit. Also make sure your name matches exactly with what Carnival/Rose Tours has on file. I’ve seen newlyweds not able to get on the ship because their documents didn’t match.
• You will be issued a Sail and Sign card which acts as your room key acts, ID while on board, as well as a ship charge card. But like with any credit card, you have to pay it off at the end of the cruise.

Money

• Tipping- Don’t worry about it! Tipping for any of your cabin stewards or dining room staff is already covered in your Rose Tours fees. And if you’re getting drinks at the bar, Carnival automatically adds 15% to your bill. No need to double tip.
• Most everything is included in the cost of your cruise EXCEPT for soda, alcoholic drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, internet, casino (bingo), excursions, and shopping. 
• Make a budget so you don't overspend.

What to do first

• You can’t go to your room until 3:00 or so thus keep this in mind when deciding what to do because you may have your bags with you.
• Stepping on the ship can be daunting especially if its your first cruise so I recommend you get a lay of the land and take a quick tour of the ship when you get on board.
• Lifeboat drill- You are required to do this the first afternoon, no way around it. Only lasts about 15 minutes though.
  
  
  
  Just as much fun as it looks

Cabins

• Expect a small room, even if you booked a suite. Cruise cabins are not comparable to a hotel room.
• If you have an interior room, remember you won’t have any natural sunlight. I like to change the TV to the channel that is a live stream of a camera from the bridge so I have some resemblance of sunlight.
• Be prepared for the fact that there aren’t many outlets in the room.

Contacting Home

• There are computers/internet available on board but at a very steep rate.
• Cell Phones- Typically you won’t get a signal when at sea, but once we are in port you should be okay. Just check with your cell carrier about roaming rates before you leave, so you are fully prepared. I typically turn my cell phone off the entire trip to avoid roaming charges.
  
  
  
  Internet Cafe on the Carnival Imagination

Food/Beverages

• Food is free and plentiful. The quality is debatable, but personally I enjoy it. I’d recommend you take advantage and try new foods. If you don’t like anything, you won’t be going hungry.
• Take advantage of the free beverages. They include lemonade, ice tea, water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate. During breakfast they will also have cranberry juice, orange juice, apple juice, and grapefruit juice.
• There are usually specialty bakeries or coffee shops that will charge extra, but I find there are plenty of good free options.
• If you drink a lot of soft drinks, buy a soda card. You pay a flat fee for the entire cruise and can get unlimited drinks.
• Room service- Its free on a cruise so why not order some pancakes to be delivered to your room as a wakeup call? I wish I could do that at home.
• Talk to the maitre d if you have any special dietary restrictions.

What to do on Board

• Backstreet Boys, duh! Though I don’t think we really need a tip for this.
• There will also be shops, a casino, a spa, a gym, night clubs, pools and more.

Debarkation

• Ugh, my least favorite part. Be prepared to leave EARLY! They typically want you off that ship around 8am. There is usually time to squeeze in a quick breakfast though.
• Review your bill before you leave. Last year they accidentally charged me for my roommates expenses. It’s easier to take care of when you’re still there.
• You have 2 choices for disembarkation. Self-debarkation is when you bring your luggage off the ship yourself, allowing you to leave when you want. Your second choice is assisted debarkation, which is where Carnival will carry your luggage off the ship for you. With this option, you need to place your luggage out the night before and you are also at the mercy of when Carnival calls your section to leave in the morning. I always do and recommend self-debark unless you need assistance carrying your luggage. And if you have an early flight to catch, definitely do self-debark.

Preparation Time Line

36 More Days!

As we're ALMOST a month away, I thought I'd post Chrissy's cruise preparation time line for the last month. Thanks again Chrissy for all the research!


30 Days Before Sailing

• If you purchased an Air & Sea package, call your travel agent for the details of your airline schedule. Request sea assignments and any special airline meals.
• If your children are sailing with you, check their wardrobes now (do it too early and the little kids may grow out of garments).
• Make appointments for any personal services you wish to have prior to your cruise. For example, a haircut, manicure, or pedicure.
• Get out your luggage and check the locks and zippers. Check for anythin that might have spilled inside on the previous trip.
• If you need new luggage or want an extra piece to bring home your souvenirs, purchase it now.

2-4 Weeks Before Sailing

• Receive your cruise documents through the travel agent.
• Examine the documents for accuracy (correct cabin number, sailing date, and dining arrangements) and make sure names are spelled correctly. If there is something you do not understand, ask your travel agent or the cruise lines now.
• Read all the literature in your document package for suggestions specific to your cruise. Most cruise lines include helpful information.
• Pay any routine bills that may be due while you’re gone.
• Go over your personalized packing list again. Finish shopping.

1 Week Before Sailing

• Finalize your packing list and continue organizing everything in one area.
• Check the batteries in your camera and buy extra batteries or memory cards if needed.
• Refill prescription medications with an adequate supply (and bring a long a copy of the written prescription if this is critical medication).
• Make two photocopies of your passport or ID and credit cards. Leave one cop with a friend or family member, and carry the other copy separate from the originals.
• Get cash and/or traveler’s checks at the bank. If you use traveler’s checks, keep a separate record of the serial numbers. Get a supply of one dollar bills for tipping baggage handlers (at the airport, hotel, pier, etc.).
• You may also want to put valuables and jewelry that you won’t be taking with you in the safety deposit box while you are at the bank.
• Arrange to have your mail held at the post office or ask a neighbor to pick it up.
• Arrange for lawn and house plant care or snow removal during your absence.
• Leave your itinerary, the ship’s telephone number (plus the name of your ship and your stateroom number), ad a house key with a relative or friend. If the ship’s number is not included in your documents, your travel agent can get the number for you.
• If traveling with small children, purchase small games or toys to keep them occupied while en route to your embarkation point.

3 Days before Sailing

• Confirm your airline flights - departure times are sometimes subject to change.
• Put a card with your name, address, telephone number, and itinerary inside each suitcase.
• Fill out the luggage tags that came with your document package, and follow the instructions regarding when and how to attach them.
• Complete any other paperwork that the cruise line included with your documents (foreign customs and immigration forms, onboard charge application, etc.). Do not wait until you are standing in line to fill them in.
• To expedite your pre-boarding paperwork, some cruise lines have convenient forms on their websites. As long as you have your reservation (or booking) number, you can provide the required immigration information, reserve shore excursions, and even indicate any special requests from the comfort of your own home. Be sure to print a copy of the form to present at the pier.
• Do last minute laundry and tidy up the house.
• Pull out the luggage and begin packing.

The Day Before Sailing

• Take pets to the kennel.
• Water house plants and lawn (if necessary).
• Dispose of any perishable food in the refrigerator.
• Mail any last minute bills.
• Set timers for indoor lights.
• Reorganize your wallet. Remove anything you will not need (check-cashing cards, department store or gas credit cards, etc.). Put these in an envelope, and leave them in a secure place.
• Finish packing and lock your suitcases.

Departure Day

• Adjust the thermostat and double check the door locks.
• Turn off the water if there is danger of frozen pipes while you’re away.
• Arrange to be at the airport a minimum of two hours before your departure time (follow the airline’s instructions).
• Have photo ID and/or passport ready for airline check in.
• Slip your car keys, parking claim checks, and airline tickets in your carry on luggage. never pack these items in checked luggage.
• Breathe a sigh of relief...you’re on your way!

Packing List

Packing List- This includes slight input from myself but mostly thanks to Chrissy for putting this together!

Clothing

• Casual wear for 4 days
• Pair of clothes for travel on the 13th- Many just wear the same outfit they traveled to Miami in. Remember that you may have gained weight over the four day cruise from all of the eating so pack for comfort!
• An outfit for Formal night in the dining room. According to the Carnival Website, the following is allowed for the Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: “Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.”
• Dinner wear for 3 non-formal nights in the dining room that are business casual. According to the Carnival website, the following is allowed for the Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: “Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs). Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats. For those who want casual attire for dinner time, the Lido Restaurant is open nightly, and has a more relaxed theme. However, shirts and shoes/footwear (flip-flops) must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.”
• Themed outfits - try to use outfits you can wear at other points in the trip (ex. use your masquerade outfit for the formal dining night)...no one will notice or cares if you wear the same outfit for more than one occasion.
• Workout clothes - in case you decide to use the you decide to you the gym facilities aboard
• Dress shoes. I suggest a versatile pair that can go with your formal wear, as well as your outfits for the other dinner nights. Also remember that the ship is a moving object so high heels are probably not very practical. it would be very easy to roll an ankle.
• Pajamas
• Sweater, shawl, or wrap. It can get windy on the ship and the air conditioning tends to be cold in places like the dining room.
• Flip flops
• Bathing suit/coverup- Many recommend that you take 2 because one may not dry overnight.
• Tennis shoes and socks. This is more if you will be doing any excursions/shopping that includes a lot of walking/hiking/climbing. Also good in case you would like to use the gym facilities on board.
• Under garments - bras and underwear. Some cruisers like to take their worn undergarments so that when they are done with them they can just toss them at the end of the cruise and not have to worry about packing them for the trip home. This allows for more room for souvenirs on their return trip.

Accessories

• Accessories/jewelry. Again, versatility is the key.
• Sunglasses
• Reading glasses/Contacts/Contact Supplies
• Hair ties and hair accessories- It gets very windy so bring a lot of these!
• Sun hat, but make sure it fits tight or ties on...it can be windy when your ship is moving.
• Ear plugs, it helps with blocking out the folks who forget how much voices travel down the hall at 3 am.
• Cheap rain ponchos or small umbrella- Always bring along when in port, even if it is sunny when you leave the ship. The weather can change very quickly especially in the Caribbean.
• A waterproof case, that will go around your neck and will hold your ID, cruise card, credit card etc. while swimming/snorkeling in port.
• Money belt for excursions – these are often worn under the clothes to prevent your items from being noticed and stolen
• Lanyard - some people punch a whole in their Sign and Sail card and wear it on a lanyard for easy carrying and access
• Little purse/bag to carry around ship and to dinner
• Beach bag/tote- For excursions or carrying home souvenirs on your return trip
• Watch - wear around the ship and during excursions

Personal Care

• Makeup - Makeup remover, eye shadow, mascara, powder, blush, lipstick/lip gloss, chap stick, cotton balls, cotton swabs
• First Aid Kit – There is a nurse on board but it can’t hurt to throw in some of the basics such aspirin, bandaids, anti-nausea medicine, seasickness remedy
• Medication
• Hair care - shampoo, conditioner (cruise will supply both but hotel quality), hair spray, brush or comb, hair dryer (there will be one in the room but some prefer their own), curling iron, hair straightener
• Dental Care - toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouth wash, gum/mints
• Feminine products
• Safety pins
• Lotion/Moisturizer
• Perfume
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen - Bring more sunscreen than you think you will need and a higher SPF. If you are from a northern climate you'll be surprised how fast you burn in the Caribbean sun. Spray on is worth the extra money because you have to re-apply it often. it may be good to have a small travel size in your carry on and a regular size in your checked luggage.
• Aloe Vera - in case you do happen to get a sun burn
• Soap or body wash - will supply soap in the room but is of hotel quality
• Antibacterial spray or wipes - some like to disinfect their state room upon entering- though they have plenty of this located around the ship.
• Razor
• Shaving cream
• Manicure set
• Bug spray - some excursions may be swarming with mosquitos (I’ve heard particularly the Mayan Ruins and things of that nature...)
• Laundry Care- I never do laundry on board, but the facilities are available. Maybe a better option is a tide pen or shout wipes.

Electronics

• Travel speakers - jam to favorite tunes on iPod while getting ready in cabin
• Walkie talkies - keep in touch with those in your party to set up meeting times, etc.
• Travel clock (there is no clock in the state room) - because of the limited amount of outlets, probably battery operated, with extra batteries
• Small flashlight or nightlight (the staterooms, especially interior cabins can be extremely dark at night)
• Camera and camera supplies (batteries, battery charger, extra memory cards, USB cord if downloading while on the trip)
• Waterproof camera (you can get cheap disposable ones at wal-mart but get before the trip as they are cheaper)
• Video camera and supplies (batteries, battery charger, extra tapes/memory, USB cord)
• Laptop and power cord
• Personal DVD player - some need this to sleep. others just like having it to watch.
• iPod with charger and earphones
• Personal gaming device (i.e. Nintendo D.S.) for beach and flights
• Cell phone and charger - if you will be using your cell phone aboard the ship
• Plug adaptors if from outside of the United States

Documents/Don’t Leave Home Without

• Money including small bills ($1) for extra tipping not included in the cruise price
• Credit card or debit card
• Traveler’s checks
• Travel documents/tickets-
• Flight confirmation
• Hotel conformation
• Cruise/Rose Tours conformation
• Car rental conformation (if applicable)
• Acoustic Show Tickets (if applicable)
• Beach Party confirmation (if applicable)
• Travel Insurance documentation (if applicable)
• Passport or certified birth certificate and license
• Maps/Directions in Miami- if you may be renting a car
• Copies of travel documents – If you want to be super safe, one to keep in safe and the other to give to someone back home
• Contact info for travel mates
• House and car keys

Helpful for Excursion/Flight/Socializing on Ship

• Books/magazines/puzzle books for beach and flights
• Notebook and pen (jot down the names of your dinner mates, waiter, bartender, room steward, new friends, etc. jot down memories of the trip as they happen)
• Highlighter - to mark the events you would like to do in “The Fun Times”
• Post its or small dry erase board (with either pen or dry erase markers depending on what you decide to bring) - leave notes on your door for friends or on friends doors to set up meeting times/places
• $3 blow up water float - perfect for those beach days (instead of paying $10-15 to rent one)
• Travel dictionary for foreign languages - may want to use in Cozumel or if you are coming from another country and need an English dictionary
• Business cards - to exchange contact information with your new friends
• You don't need to pack beach towels - they are provided. You can take the beach towels off the ship for excursions but you much bring them back or else you will be charged.

Drink Related

• Insulated mug or water bottle (the glasses on board are small. this will allow you to also keep your drinks colder throughout day)
• Wine/champagne - Guests, 21 years of age and older, may bring one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, only in their carry-on luggage.
• Corkscrew- If you bring wine, bring a cheap corkscrew to open the bottle. Otherwise you will have to pay a corkage fee.
  
• Crystal Light/Koolaid packets - some people are very particular about the taste of their tap water so they like to have these. The water is perfectly safe to drink aboard the ship.
• Carry on non-alcoholic beverages (i.e. soda, water, juice)

BSB Related

• Door decoration materials- scissors, tape, glue, tape measure, ruler, decorations itself
• CDs or music on iPod
• Something that you wouldn’t mind being autographed and a sharpie

Other

• Duct tape or sports tape - luggage repair, securing luggage, easy to spot luggage if wrapped around handle, serve as luggage tag and strap, easy to tear by hand, repairs in cabin until help arrives, keep sun out by taping curtains, tape an unraveling hem, secure lids, secure drawers when ship is rolling, instead of taking a whole role, teach a few strips and put on the inside of your luggage...remove when needed
• Cable ties to secure luggage
• Air freshener for bathroom - the bathroom is small and you are in cramped quarters for 4 days. The toilet is also known to clog up frequently.
• Ziploc bags - various uses: wet clothes, liquid containers, etc.
• Small pair of binoculars - use while on nature based excursions, when coming into ports, etc.