Planning is over

All this planning and the time is almost here.  Now we have the suitcases out, starting to pack and checking  our airline reservations to make sure they haven't moved our seats!

Updated Itinerary and Map!

I still love these maps - here is the new one since we are no longer stopping in Tunisia

Detail Detail Detail

Most of the tours are organized, plans made, but when you get down the details, you have to rethink everyting! Today I've been putting together the final lists, outslines and information. When and where to meet for tours was one of the final details. I will be updated pages today with that information. 29 days until we leave for us! I am jealous of others on this trip who are embarking sooner for a longer voyage. Still trying to gauge if anyone is interested in meeting for tapas in Barcelona!

Suitcases and Packing

I'm a planner......that is probably an understatement!

We are going to be in Europe for 18 days and this is my husbands first time.  Last time I took my mom and did fine with one 25 inch hard case and a carryon briefcase for a few essentials.  This even included 4 dresses for dinners.  I do pack light and think 1 pair of dress shoes, 1 pair of casual sandals and 1 pair of good walking shoes is all that I need.

But...... my husband is bringing several suits (formal dinners on the cruise), maybe a tux and he does NOT pack light (owns more shoes that I do).  So, I'm thinking 1 27 inch suitcase and a garment bag for him, I'll stick to my 25 inch bag and a carryon.

I'm wondering what is normal - how much baggage do people normally take for 18 days in Europe in October?

Itinerary Change

Today we received the email about the itinerary change.  Instead of a sea day Oct 15, then Tunisia Oct 16, we are now going to Olbia, Sardinia oct Oct 15 and having our sea day on Oct 16.  I know cruises have to stop at one non-EU port to escape paying VAT on purchases for the entire cruise, so I am wondering how this change will affect us?

Getting closer!

Discussion on another board reminded me of one of my favorite cruise websites, www.cruisefish.net.

You can use finder to look up your sailing and see the price history of your cabin category as well as the percentage of cabins available on your sailing.  Its fun to watch the price history to find trends and strategize on how to get the best price for for your next vacation.

http://www.cruisefish.net/finder.md  - interesting link that shows the average price of a balcony for the major cruise lines.

Excursions Excursions Excursions

I am so excited when planning excursion.  There is so much history, good food and wonderful things to see, it's difficult to decide which ones to visit.

Giovanni at Joe Banana Limos has been wonderful to work with and is great at custom itineraries and being flexible.  Finalized the Naples shore excursion today and am working on Florence.

I am still stuck on the Monaco port.  Wish there were more options for tours there!