Since we are getting ready to leave (some sooner than others), here are some tips related to before we leave. The last two have been posted before.
1. Arrange to have your mail held and stop your newspaper delivery.
2. DO your cruise documents online, PRINT THEM OUT AND BRING THEM WITH YOU!
3. Use a label maker to tag everything that might leave the room. One DISer got his/her disposable camera back this way. Make and bring extra labels in case you forget something.
4. Put contact info on your memory cards for your camera or on tape media if using a camcorder. If you drop them you might be able to get them back. Or, take a picture of your business card or address label with the statement "Please return to". Keep that as the first picture on your memory card.
5. Take advantage of the ability to send a box to the ship ahead of time - a great way to get FE gifts or pirate gear on board without giving up valuable luggage space. In the box, include what you want to ship and a packing list detailing the contents of the box. Address your package(s) to:
Disney Cruise Line Warehouse
Guest Name / Stateroom # (GTY, if you don't know what it is when you send the package)
8633 Transport Drive
Orlando, FL 32832
Phone: 407-566-8196
6. Type up address labels to apply to postcards. That way you and your family have the addresses at hand and you just peel and stick onto the postcard, write your private message and then send. Also, at the end of the cruise you will get color coded luggage tags to put on your luggage. Information needed is: (1) Number of pieces of luggage (1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3), (2) Stateroom number, (3) Name, (4) address (including city, state and zip code). Make those up in advance on your address labels. Then when you have to pack it will make it a little quicker. Plus by being printed it is easier for the porters who unload the ship to help keep your pieces together. Tag measures approximately 4 inches wide by 2.5 inches tall to help you figure out which size label to use. Or, use the freebie address labels that you get in the mail.