19 Days Until Embarkation

I'm so excited - as the song goes, And I just can't hide it.....

Yep - just under 3 weeks until we set sail.

Just 18 days for the pain in Andrea's back to subside completely. We've been considering how she will make the journey from Manchester to Southampton without her back seizing up completely. One idea is for her to take the train.

I had a look today, at thetrainline.com and there is a non-stop journey which takes 4hours and 48 mins; with no changes necessary. The only downside; it costs £89 ONE WAY!!!!
However, for peace of mind, and allowing her to stand up, walk about and keep moving, it may be worth it. We'll continue to discuss it.

Next weekend, we are all getting together (all 14 of us) and it will be lovely to see everyone before we leave. No doubt there will be no room in the conversation for anything but cruising, as we swap ideas and suggestions, thoughts and views, about who will be doing what, where and when.

So much else to think about.

For example; what to take on a 14 night cruise?
A floating hotel, where everything is taken care of.

Here is an extract from the Royal Caribbean website:

Onboard attire...Shorts, t-shirts, slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are all perfect during the day, whether indoors or out.
For lounging by the pool, pack two swimsuits (an extra one in case the other is wet) and a pair of casual shoes (e.g. flip-flops, sandals, trainers).
You'll also need some casual shorts and a couple of t-shirts or a cover-up for getting to and from the pool areas.
If you're planning to visit our onboard fitness centre (yeah, right!!!), make sure you bring extra shorts, t-shirts and socks that you won't mind working out in – plus a pair of tennis or running shoes/trainers.

Over the 14 nights there will be:

• 8 casual nights
• 3 smart casual nights
• 3 formal nights

Suggested guidelines for these nights are:
Casual: Polo shirts and trousers for men, sundresses or trousers for women
Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or trouser suits for women
Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women

It goes on, but I don't want to bore you here. Not to mention, I need to arrange for a tuxedo!!!