> > As you may have noticed, this is one of my favorite topics.
> > Howard
>
> Thanks for the advice. Going out of Baltimore seems like it might be an attractive option for us, since it's only an hour's drive. We wouldn't have to pay for plane tickets, and maybe even parking if we could get someone to drop us off.
>
> How early would you recommend to start looking ahead? We're talking October of 2008 here, so should we start looking now? When's the best time to get the best prices?
>
> Also, having never been on a cruise before, is there anything you would recommend bringing that we might not otherwise think of?

I wish I lived that close to a cruise terminal! Parking is expensive at the dock, so if you can get someone to do the drop off and pick up, it would save $$$. It's never too early to start looking, but we have booked 8 months ahead at least once and 8 to 10 days a couple of times. It's a trade off. If you want a specific cruise, book early before it sells out. But if you are more flexable, you can book late after the bargains are posted and save bucks. The same is true of a specific date. One thing for sure -- they don't like to sail away with empty cabins.

No matter how hard you try, you will pack things that you won't use. I took my face mask and snorkle and never used them.

As for clothes, it depends on the climate, but most cruises have a couple of formal nights. You don't need a tux, but a lot of guys wear them. I use a dark suit. Sometimes I take a sport jacket for "informal" nights. Women always know how to dress, so I won't go into that. I've seen dresses that must have cost more then the cruise. My granddaughter was a hit on formal night in a dress she got for $8 at a thrift store. I take cargo shorts with lots of pockets and tee shirts. In the tropics you need a good hat and sunblock. Cruise ships have a wealth of swimming pools, hot tubs, and water slides. I even take a bathing suit to Alaska.

If you are going to the Caribbean, I recommend the eastern Islands over the western islands. I love St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Martin. If it starts with Saint, it's good.

In the western Caribbean, Grand Cayman is hard to beat. Most cruise lines have a "private island" with a great beach and a big cookout. Some are so small you won't find them on a map.

Other good stops are San Juan, Key West and anywhere in the Bahamas. If you like history, try Costa Maya, Cozumel, or Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Lots of people will disagree, but I don't like Jamaica.

You can book a cruise on line, but a travel agent can save you money, and help you avoid pitfalls. I have heard stories of people who were left on the dock because they forgot their birth certificated. My favorite travel agent is www.altotravel.com . Ask for Laura and tell her that "Daddy" sent you.

Because we are old, and live 400 miles from the ocean, we always get trip insurance and arrive in the port city the day before sailing. Seaport cities are fun places and by going early we have never missed a sailing.

I just got home and I'm ready to go again.
Howard