Last Minute Cruise News

Hello Travelers,

All prescription medicines should be packed in your carry-on bag. Do not pack any prescription medicines in your checked luggage!
At this point, you should have printed your Set Sail Pass, have your luggage tags, requested your

shows and shore excursions. If you're participating in those dare-devil activities such as zip-lining, you need to sign your waivers you can do that online at Royal Caribbeans website.

If anyone needs their confirmation number for the hotel, please send me an e-mail, I do have that info.

Lets Get Up N Go!

Chicas Travel Kit

Hello Travelers!

We found a great blog post by Chica and Jo.com to help make your flights easier. Thanks Chica this was a great idea and easy fix for an airplane kit!
To come up with items for the kit, Chica visualized the plane ride and imagined all the things a passenger would need or want. Gum would help to pop ears during takeoff and breath freshener would be a great relief when she wakes after a nap. A deck of cards would curb boredom and a packet of candy would satisfy any sweet tooth. Things like lotion, lip balm, and tissues would take care of personal needs and moist towelettes would wipe up any messes. Aspirin, ear plugs, toothpicks, an emery board, and bandages would cover other unexpected issues. Toss in a pen for doing the crossword puzzle in the airline’s magazine and a hair tie to keep your tresses in check and this kit was really looking good. As a final touch, she made up a little chart of world time zones and popular travel phone numbers and laminated it so you could carry it with you in the future. She bundled everything up into a sturdy little zippered pouch and marveled at the cute collection of items She had!

Oh, and you may be wondering if the kit passed TSA inspection. It did, with flying colors. I put the liquids (lotion, etc) into a quart-sized zip-top bag inside the pouch so that she could remove it easily if required, but the clear window on the pouch was enough to let it pass inspection without any objections.




Here’s a full list of the items in the kit:



■1 deck of playing cards

■1 pack of gum

■1 Tums quick-dissolve packet

■1 bottle of breath-freshening drops

■1 package of candy (M&Ms or Skittles)

■1 Crystal Light drink packet (just add to a bottle of water)

■1 emery board

■1 packet of tissues

■1 single-use vial of eye drops

■1 small bottle of lotion

■1 tube of lip balm

■1 pen

■2 moist towelettes

■1 antiseptic wipe

■1 elastic hair tie

■1 packet of aspirin

■2 adhesive bandages

■2 ear plugs

■3 toothpicks

■1 Shout wipe

■1 comb (not pictured)

■1 lens-cleaning towelette

■1 pocket reference card with world time zones and popular travel-related phone numbers

■1 quart-size zip-top bag (to pass TSA inspection, all liquids must be in a bag like this)

■all in a re-usable zippered pouch

Way to Get up N Go!!

The Plane Truth

 Hello Travelers!

Please remember there is an excess baggage  fee for bags that weigh over 50 lbs. It will depend on your carrier but you can check their website for more information.
Also All liquids should be in your checked luggage in a zip-lock bag. If you're unsure what you may carry aboard the plane and what you can check, please visit  http://www.tsa.gov/  .

If you're arriving Ft. Lauderdale early on Friday, you  may purchase your heavy items there (liquids, batteries, etc.) You don't want to be charged for your bag being overweight.

Lets Get Up N Go!

Safety First

Hello Travelers!

When you go shopping at the Ports, try to have small bills like $10's, 5's and 1's. You do not want to pull

out a wad of money or a $50 bill to pay for something that only cost $10. You can get change on the ship before we

arrive at the Ports.

Safety is a big issue always, do not wear your best shiny jewelry off the ship, put it in your safe until

you return. On the ship you may feel safe to wear any and all of your jewelry.

Ladies let's not take really big purses or be careful with our really big purses when we go shopping at the Ports. We want you to be able to roam free and not worry about leaving everything you own because its all in your favorite suitcase sized handbag :-)

If you have any questions, please leave it on the blog and it will be answered as soon as possible.

Almost There!

Hello Travelers!

With only 2 weeks to go, be sure to visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com




• Visit the Overview Tab

• Complete your Online Check In.

• Print out your SetSail pass.

• Bring it with you to the cruise terminal to facilitate the check-in process.

• Update your dining options in the Preferences & Request area.

• Choose traditional seating and enjoy dinner every night during one of the two dining times.

• Sign up for MyTime Dining® and experience our outstanding dining room any time between 6:30pm – 9:00pm. Once you’ve signed up, be sure to reserve your dining time onboard every night of the cruise.

• Visit the Documentation Tab

• Sign your Activity Waivers – so you can immediately enjoy activities like our FlowRider® wave simulators, thrilling zip-line, signature rock-climbing wall and so much more.

• Last Chance to Order Luggage Tags – save time at the pier and start your vacation immediately. Luggage tags must be ordered no later than 14 days prior to sailing.

• Visit the Pre-Cruise Planner Tab

• Choose your Specialty Dining Options – guarantee your table at one of our many specialty dining options, including Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, and 150 Central Park, with advance online reservations.

• Reserve Show Tickets – sign up now to experience our complimentary onboard entertainment, including: ice-shows, comedy acts and the Tony Award-Winning musical “Hairspray.”

• Pick your Shore Excursions – see the Caribbean like you’ve never seen it before. Sign up for select shore excursions, available only to Oasis guests, and visit places like Sapphire Beach in St. Thomas or swim with manta rays in Nassau.

• Opt for a Beverage Package – pre-purchase a fountain soda, juice, or water package to enjoy during your cruise. Wine packages are also available.

• Schedule Spa Treatments – relax, unwind and pamper yourself from a full menu of signature spa treatments.

• Visit the Tips & Reminders Tab for helpful hints to help with your cruise experience.

Lets Get Up N Go!

Airpiort Shuttle

TGIF!

 Wow it is hard to believe that in just a few  days our next group will be sailing the beautiful world acclaimed Oasis of the Seas.
For those who are interested there is a free shuttle that leaves the airport to take you to your hotel, The Airport Ramada, if you do not see the shuttle bus you may contact the hotel directly and they will pick you up.

Lets Get Up N Go!

Baker Friends and Family Cruise att:

Hello Travelers!

  Well the time is getting closer and our set sail date is near. Here are a few last minute  important details to keep your travels smooth!

There will be two buses leaving the Ramada Airport Hotel on Saturday, for the Baker Family & Friends Group. They will depart at approximately 11:45am. Please be ready to depart at 11:30am. Boarding on the ship will be by "Decks" for example, if your cabin is on deck 11, that's what you will look for to check in. Upon arrival at the Port, have your passport and Set Sail Pass Available for quicker access to the ship.
Do not forget to have a carry on bag for items that you may need immediately. Medication, comfortable clothes, camera, batteries, passport/Set Sail Passes! As you may arrive at your Stateroom before your luggage does.

There is no such thing as a silly questions so please feel free to ask as we will continue to post, chances are that someone else may have your exact concern.

*for privacy dates were intentionally left out of this post.

Lets Get Up N Go!

This Warrents Your Attention

Hello Travelers!

Please clear all warrents prior to boarding the ship.
Should you have any warrents they will be listed on the ships manifest, you will have no trouble boarding the ship, however, the authorities will come aboard to retrieve you before you disembark. Should you have any questions, or concerns please see your cities website or contact your city office.

Lets Get Up N Go!

Hotel Information

Hello Travelers!
 
For those of you traveling on the next sailing of the Oasis of the Seas, we have made arrangements for transportation,upon arrival to the airport  please contact 954-584-4000 FOR FREE SHUTTLE TO HOTEL. The Airport Ramada.
For faster check in please have your confirmation number available as there are several groups.

THE HOTEL IS: RAMADA, Ft. LAUDERDALE AIRPORT CRUISE PORT, 2275 STATE ROAD 84, FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33312

Announcing : The Allure of the Seas

Hello Travelers!

Today we have extremely exciting news! Our agency is one of only a few that have been invited to book the Pre-Inauguaral sailing of the Allure of the Seas leaving Fort Lauterdale on December 1st and sailing to Royal Caribbeans private island, Labadee.

This 4 day private sailing is on the largest ship in the world.

Book before August 27th.


Please contact Get Up N Go Trvl   702-741-5788 for more information or to book your group, this sailing is prefect for a girls getaway, second honeymoon, or an I just wanna Get Up N Go!

Great Rate!

Hello travelers!
Today is Friday and our feature is a great rate! Las Vegas Midweek at the South Point Hotel and Casino from $35.00! Enjoy!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

72-Hour Online Room Sale!
Sale Rates From $35.00!
Midweek $35.00
Weekend $60.00
includes one funbook per guest

Sale Begins Tuesday, August 24 at Noon on www.SouthPointCasino.com
fare good from August 24th 2010- January 12th 2011
* rooms must be booked using promotional code EDAY710
*must contact SouthPoint Hotel and Casino online  for booking


Lets Get Up N Go!

Emergency Contact

Hello Travelers!

Today's blog is simply informational please print or copy this page and give to your immediate family, this is the Royal Caribbean emergency contact telephone number,

The Royal Caribbean emergency number is 1-888-724-7447, you  will need ship name ( Oasis of the Seas),  your cabin number and credit card because call is $7.95. This line is for emergencies from home.

In case  there is an emergency from home, please leave the cell phone number of one of your family members/friends travelling with you in the event your phone won't receive the call on your cell, someone else's might and that's cheaper.

 Royal Caribbean has also suggested that you contact you cell phone carrier and let them know you will be out to sea so they can adjust your roaming. Some cell plans require that a code is programmed into the phone before you travel, you carrier will be able to give you all of those details.

Lets Get Up N Go!

Tip Calculator Questions

Hello Travelers,

 We have received several inquiries about the tip calculator for Royal Caribbean, I wanted to provide you with further information as well as the direct link to the cruise line if there is any concern or confusion.
We want this to be a wonderful adventure and we want to make sure that no one had any unexpected surprises.  As far as gratuity rates go, the following post is linked directly form their website but for more detailed information I will include the web address and telephone number so that you will feel most comfortable.

On board Extras -


Print This Page



Q: What are gratuity guidelines for cruises?



A: So that you can thank those who have made your cruise vacation better than you could have imagined, we've developed these gratuity guidelines:

Suite attendant: $5.75 USD a day per guest

Stateroom attendant: $3.50 USD a day per guest

Dining Room Waiter: $3.50 USD a day per guest

Assistant Waiter: $2.00 USD a day per guest

Headwaiter: $.75 USD a day per guest

Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages.

Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine check when you are served.



Notice to Guests: Gratuities may be shared with other crew members depending on the particular service requirement.



Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:

*Pre paid by having them added to your reservation by your booking agent.


*Added to your onboard SeaPass account.


*Paid in cash at the end of the cruise
 the link for this information may be located on the Royal Caribbean website by typing the word  tip in the search line or by following the following link: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/   sign in under my account, and type tip in the upper right corner where it says search.
You may also contact them directly at (866) 562-7625

Please feel free to ask questions or concerns we are here for you, and if you ask on the blog it will be answered on the blog you never know you may be helping another traveler.


Lets Get Up N Go!

Royal Caribbean Luggage Tags

Hello Travelers!
We have another question regarding the next sailing of the Oasis of the Seas:

Ms Barbara would like to know if our group members know that Royal Caribbean will mail you your luggage tags?


Thank you for your question as this is something that much of the group may not know, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines makes your luggage tags available, and they will send them in the mail within approximately  7 days after you order them from the website, they are printed in the primary cabin members name.
 Also please do not forget that you can pre check in  online and print your Set Sail Pass from the website anytime before 4 days prior to the sail date!
For Privacy and safety  reasons ,because this is a public blog I have not included the actual sail dates and will not publicly post comments that may disclose those dates, I will make every effort to answer those questions as well though.

Lets Get Up N Go!

Preliminary Group Count

Hello Travelers!

Today we had a question from Ms. Barbara she wanted to know:

Ms Barbara said...


I'm one of the travelers I would like to know how many are in our group?

Well  Ms. Barbara you will be excited to hear that there will be 61 Get Up N Go Trvlr's on the Oasis of the Seas for our next sailing. They come from all over the United States, New York, Arizona, Ohio, Nevada  and New Orleans to name a few!
Please feel free to post any questions that you have about  this cruise and stay tuned for exciting news about our next sailing!

Lets Get Up N Go!

The Motion in the Ocean

Hello Travelers!

Todays tip of the day is related to motion sickness.Although day to day many travelers make it through their cruise without one touch of this uncomfortable illness, it is better to prepare ahead of time.

 Several  sites offer advice about motion sickness:

What about Motion Sickness?


Some people experience queasiness on cruise ships. Many people find relief from special wristbands that stimulate pressure points that are believed to counteract the nausea of motion sickness. You can also get pills that will alleviate any discomforts caused by motion sickness. Make sure to get your supply in advance and don’t forget to pack them in your hand baggage. You may never need them, but it is best to have them available just in case. Buzzle.com

Ann Childs also has a great description and advice on motion sickness:
The easiest and most economical way to stop sea sickness is to walk. This is what is meant by getting your sea legs. When you walk around a moving ship the fluid in your inner ear learns the motion of the ship in a controlled way. When you feel sea sickness coming on walk,walk,walk. The worst thing you can do is take to your bed. Lying down will make your nausea worse. Once your body becomes accustomed to the motion you will no longer feel ill and will be able to sit and lie down when you want to.




Another drug free way to curb your motion sickness is by wearing a Sea Bands bracelet. The bracelet has a small bead on the inside that puts pressure on the inside of your wrist. This is a pressure point that will reduce nausea. Children and pregnant women can use Sea Bands as there are no side effects to this method. They are available at most drug stores. Buy these before you leave home and put it on before boarding the ship to be safe.



The use of ginger can help to reduce the nausea part of sea sickness but not the dizziness. Other herbal remedies have been tried but not scientifically proven to work. Staying above deck and getting fresh air will go a long way to normalizing your inner ear.



Cabin location can also be a factor in how much motion you feel while trying to sleep. Select a cabin that is in the middle of the ship both horizontally and vertically. If you pick a middle deck you will feel less motion from the sea and if you are close to the center of that deck you will feel less vibration from the engines and under workings of the ship.

Sail on a ship that has stabilizers. All of the newest mega liners have stabilizers that help minimize the rolling of the ship back and forth. Consider sailing on a ship that uses the Azipod propulsion system. All of the Carnival Cruise Lines ships have them. This system pushes rather than pulls the ship through the water which reduces motion and creates much less vibration. It also has the added benefit of allowing sharper turns for the ship without causing a lean.

Medications such as Dramamine or Gravol decrease nausea. You don't have to buy these at home as they are available on the ship at the pursers desk where they are usually given out free of charge. Unfortunately these drugs can make some people drowsy which does not make for an exciting cruise experience.

Ear patches work wonders to get rid of sea sickness. The trans dermal scopolamine patch is about the size of a dime and is worn behind the ear. It's effects last about 72 hours. This patch must be applied 8 hours before boarding the ship or you'll be playing catch up later. The trans dermal patch does have side effects ranging from drowsiness to dry mouth.

Even the astronauts from NASA have problems with motion sickness so you are not alone now are you weak and frail. Go on and book your cruise with peace of mind because now you'll be like me and everyone else who is openly addicted to cruising.
Ann is the editor and featured writer at http://www.cruise-travel-review.com/

Thanks Ann

Lets Get Up N Go!

What To Pack

Hello Travelers!

Now that the  next Oasis of the Seas group  is ready to set sail we thought we would give you a few packing tips.
First for those of you that have purchased the Travel Guard Insurance , please review your policy and keep handy.

For those that just need a general overview of what to pack we have provided a sample list below courtesy  of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines:

Camera. Sunscreen. Swimsuit.  Batteries.Okay, now that we've got the basics out of the way, here are a few must-have cruise items that will help make your vacation more comfortable, enjoyable and memorable.


On the first day...

For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, workout clothes, and any medications you may need. That way you don't have to wait for your checked bags to arrive in your stateroom.

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 bathing suits (an extra suit in case the other is wet) and a pair of casual shoes (e.g., flip-flops, sandals, sneakers). 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 center, be sure to bring extra shorts, t-shirts and socks that you won't mind working out in - plus a pair of tennis or running shoes/sneakers.



Dinner attire...

Meals in the main dining room follow this schedule:



Cruise Length         Casual        Smart      Casual Formal



7-night                         4              1                   2



Suggested guidelines for these nights are:

Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women

Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women

Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women



For fun... There are four very important types of books you'll want to consider packing:

Travel guides - to help you explore new destinations

Poolside pleasures - nothing beats a great read in the sun

Journal - keep an account of your adventure for sharing and reminiscing

Address book - send your friends a postcard to make them jealous



Binoculars are another often forgotten, yet indispensable travel item. Be sure to pack a pair for magnified excitement onboard and onshore.



Save space...

Be sure to leave some room in your luggage for all those souvenirs and mementos. Some space-saving ideas include: Bring shirts and pants/skirts that mix and match, turning three outfits into five or six.

Wear your heaviest shoes during embarkation and disembarkation so you don't have to pack them.

Pack small items inside larger ones for efficiency.

Bring an additional empty bag for those acquired extras.


Lets Get Up N Go!

More Money No Problem

Hello Travelers!
Today's tip about cruising is related to gratuities, many travelers are not aware that although the majority of the cruise is all inclusive, the tips and drinks can leave you with a scary bill at the end of your trip. Please consider the following when ordering items on your cruise account and calculating tips,

• Alcoholic drinks are not included, therefore you are running up a tab on your on board expense account, you may periodically check your account balance with the customer service desk but you definitely do not want to celebrate by saying "all drinks on me" because on the final day you may just pass out, ( and not from a hangover)

• There is a pretty standard gratuity guideline provided by all Cruise Lines, however, since the next group of Get Up N Go Tvl'ers will be aboard the beautiful Oasis of the Seas I have provided Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines suggested gratuity rates, 

          Suite Attendant               5.75 USD     a day per guest
          Stateroom Attendant       3.50 USD     a day per guest
          Dining Room Waiter       3.50 USD      a day per guest
          Assistant Waiter             2.00 USD      a day per guest
          Head Waiter                    .75 USD      a day per guest

•  Do not forget dollar bills for cab drivers, curb side assistance, and  baggage handlers, as you do not want to have to make change, or go to a costly atm machine.

Lets Get Up N Go!

          

Door Notes

Good day travelers! Get Up N Go Trvl would like to give our next group of cruisers another tip of the day!

Lets leave ourselves a note. Here are some of the most important items that we want to ensure you have with you or in place on the day of sailing:

• Passport and ID
• House/Car Keys
• Carry on Bag for items that you want available immediately
• Dog sitter
• Tip envelope (this will ensure that you have your tips after all this partying)
• Set Sail Pass ( available at www.royalcaribbean.com)
• swimsuit
• comfortable shoes
• 2 formal outfits

This is a great start a complete packing list for those of you that have requested one will be posted within the next few days.

Lets Get Up N Go!

The Countdown- 30 days to go!

Well what a great day it is 30 days to go untill the next Get Up N Go Trvl group sets sail. This ship the beautiful Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas was born in 2009 and boast the title of the largest ship in the industry at this time.

For those clients who will be setting sail with us please review the following information,
You may log on to www.royalcaribbean.com at any time until 4 days prior to sail date to pre-book your:
On Board Entertainment
Online Check In
Print Set Sail Passes
Make My Time Dining Reservations
Pre-purchase land/shore excursions
Reserve Entertainment

All Aboard!!

Welcome

Welcome to Get up N Go Trvl Blog!
We are excited to bring you the updates and tips on our cruises. With over 30 years in the travel industry we know that we can get you not only the best rates but the best service. Your group will become instant VIPs with our personalized service and attention to details. Please check back often as we will be posting pictures and information about upcoming cruises.
Yours Truly