thank you butterfly!  i belong to both groups, FB and olivia groups..i just forget the cruises get very active posting a lot sooner than the resort groups do so I am just now joining in the conversations ya'll have been enjoying already :)

soooo excited about alaska and everyone getting ready for it!

Joyce.A.1. -

Just wanted to say I got your message, and I'm looking forward to meeting you on the cruise, too!  Some of us have had problems with the Olivia email system, where it sends the email, but without the message we wrote.

(other) Joyce. 

hi all

could someone post the link for the FB connect group pls?   The cruise groups are way more active than the resort groups, even how many months out :)  LOL :)

Great lists Sleddog...thanks for the great info! 

I only have one comment that I have learned through 20+ years of law enforcement experience...it may be a good idea to put your name and address inside your suitcase, but on the outside it is best just to put your name and phone number (that way they can call you when your bag is found, but will not have your address to know that your home may be vacant while you are on vacation )  It's kind of like I used to tell the parents at the schools about putting their kids names on visible areas of their clothing and backpacks where strangers could seem like friends when they knew their names only because they saw them on their things. 

Safety first...sorry...it's just the cop in me

Great point to bring up…try not to over pack!

End of the season for the Alaska ports we'll visit…great sales on t-shirts, ect!

And if you need any of the things Kath just mentioned before we board…here's some drug stores near the port in Vancouver

www.londondrugs.com/

www.pharmasave.com/

http://www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/Home.aspx

oh and some places to get wine if you plan to bring any on board

http://www.bcliquorstores.com/

http://www.marquis-wines.com/wine-shop/default.htm

http://www.steamworks.com/store

http://www.okwinecellar.com/index.php

Thanks for posting this list Sled!  It kinda gives you a general idea and remind you of things that you might forget! Last cruise I forgot to pack a razor. By about the third day Deb was searching the gift shop for a razor because who is fun to snuggle with having hairy legs?? LOL
We found one on board but good grief!! It was like $8.00 for one disposable razor.

I would remind everyone too to bring along over the counter meds that you MIGHT need to take. IE allergy meds, motion sickness meds, vitamins.. chap stick.. neosporin, band aids,, are just a few.. I would rather have it and NOT need it than to NEED it and not have it!

Dont over pack ladies!! That was our first mistake on cruise 1. you end up buying tshirts and stuff there that you can wear and if you over pack you just have to lug a bunch of unnecessary crap through the airport!

We are going shopping this weekend at the new Cabella's store in Wichita for some hiking boots and a new coat.
Now that my daughters wedding is over with I can really start planning on ALASKA!!!
Looking forward to seeing all you fine ladies!! Stay well until then!!
Take care

Kath

Thank you all so much, that is great information. 

Im going to be in Spain before I come over and it is going to be really really hot there. Having an itinerary to get whilst in Europe is very much needed. As I can't bring it all from OZ.

Thanks again! 

you're all welcome!  i'm just passing on a list that was posted on Olivia one time...passing it forward!

butterfly...for sure the spas are heated...not sure about the pools...but one time it was warm enough to use the outside one!

If the Zaandam is like the Ryndam (the Western Caribbean)....and I think it i..... there is a roof that can be closed above the pool.  It was plenty warm enough in the water, and with the roof closed it should be pleasant.  Then again, let's hope for lots of sunshine and an open roof.    There are a couple of hot tubs beside the pool as well. 

Cheers,  Heather