Am I Weird???

[AZDCruiser]

DH just asked "are we weird?" as I was writing in my notebook different things to remember (i.e. Vintages has free appetizers, etc..)

 

I have one page of different cost activities (excursions/specialty rest/casino/drinks)..just to make sure we are budgeting properly. Then another page of ideas for excursions, what to do in each port..etc. What C&A coupons we can use.

 

Am I weird? I just like to be prepared...:rolleyes:

[Host Kewlguy]

There is nothing wrong with being prepared. Everyone is weird in their own way. Some more than others. ;)

[CaptData]

No. I do something like that before I go and check off things as they are done including buy insurance, make final payment date, buy swimsuit/wrap, make doctor appt ect. Others have check lists too.

[JanineM]

No, you're not "weird", but while there are many people who plan things down to the last second, there are many others who don't. I tend to fall in the middle ~ I have lists of what to carry and some ideas for excursions, but many days on the ship we just wake up and say, "what do you feel like doing today?"

 

Please just remember that cruise itineraries aren't carved in stone. A storm could come up and you'll miss those ports that you have planned for and dreamed of. So go ahead and plan, but be prepared to be flexible!

[Inshape]

Not weird at all. I do so much planning and know so much now that I can be the best TA if I wanted to. I enjoy the planning part and the researching part. I feel totally involved with the trip while my husband just goes along. That is not my personality and I like to know...so nothing wrong at all. I never knew vintages had free appetizers. I did see that travel channel show on Radiance and in the champagne bar they were eating chocolate covered strawberries. I was wondering if they served them with the champagne. Now that is a nice touch and then I would go in and sip some champagne.

So when does vintages served this free stuff? That is nice to go into that bar then and have a glass of wine there instead of elsewhere.

[Host Kewlguy]

The smartest thing we started doing was making a packing list which is saved on our computer. When we're ready to pack we just print it out and start checking things off. We haven't forgotten to bring anything since we started using the list.

[AZDCruiser]

Oh, I am also the first one to say "you know, I don't want to do what we planned..lets just go by ear today"..so I guess I'm not too bad. Mostly what I write down is for budgeting purposes and to make sure we get all we need (payment made, packing lists,etc..) The tips/things to remember page is new....

 

About the Vintages thing..I read that on these boards, so I'm not sure if it is true as I have never been on a ship with Vintages before.

I do know the Champagne bar on Enchantment had appetizers (that was in 05)

 

Glad to know I'm not the only one with a travel notebook. :cool:

[rednancy1]

The smartest thing we started doing was making a packing list which is saved on our computer. When we're ready to pack we just print it out and start checking things off. We haven't forgotten to bring anything since we started using the list.

 

I have a packing list on my computer too and It's so easy to pack now. In fact, on our last 3 day cruise to the Bahamas each of us just had a carry-on. :)

 

I also keep a spreadsheet of all our cruises. Sailing dates, ships, reservation number, room number, prices, OBCs (RCI stock, booking on board, TA credits, etc), balcony discounts, etc.

 

Wow, maybe I'm the weird one!

[mommabean]

DH just asked "are we weird?" as I was writing in my notebook different things to remember (i.e. Vintages has free appetizers, etc..)

 

I have one page of different cost activities (excursions/specialty rest/casino/drinks)..just to make sure we are budgeting properly. Then another page of ideas for excursions, what to do in each port..etc. What C&A coupons we can use.

 

Am I weird? I just like to be prepared...:rolleyes:

 

Notes? Is that why I forget so many things? I never write anything down that I need to do. I just try to remember.

 

I have forgotten to print my set sail pass once, but they let me on the ship anyway - fast, too.

 

I forgot to take my passport once and drove all the way back home to get it, making a trip to the cruise port, in the county in which I live, a 3 hour tour. This was only to find out once I got inside that they would tell me I didn't really need my passport. Being a US citizen with a valid driver's license they would have let me sign a waiver to cruise without the proper documentation. This was in May 2006.

 

Maybe I should write myself some reminders from now on. :o

[petel]

There is nothing wrong with being prepared. Everyone is weird in their own way. Some more than others. ;)

 

"I'm not weird but many of the people around me are" :p Who said that? :eek: Being organized, prepared, comfortable, and content is nice. Lists are good for all of the above :)

[Host Kewlguy]

I have a packing list on my computer too and It's so easy to pack now. In fact, on our last 3 day cruise to the Bahamas each of us just had a carry-on. :)

 

I also keep a spreadsheet of all our cruises. Sailing dates, ships, reservation number, room number, prices, OBCs (RCI stock, booking on board, TA credits, etc), balcony discounts, etc.

 

Wow, maybe I'm the weird one!

 

I don't call that weird. I call it smart.

[01821]

DH just asked "are we weird?" as I was writing in my notebook different things to remember (i.e. Vintages has free appetizers, etc..)

 

I have one page of different cost activities (excursions/specialty rest/casino/drinks)..just to make sure we are budgeting properly. Then another page of ideas for excursions, what to do in each port..etc. What C&A coupons we can use.

 

Am I weird? I just like to be prepared...:rolleyes:

 

My Sis and i like to plan ahead, make lists, anticipate, etc, almost as soon as we book. Reading C.C. just adds to the fun.:)

[cb at sea]

Part of the fun is the planning--but we've found that once onboard, our plans seem a bit "regimented" and we tend to drop many of the things we had planned to do, in favor of doing a lot of nothing! It is a vacation, after all!

[AZDCruiser]

Part of the fun is the planning--but we've found that once onboard, our plans seem a bit "regimented" and we tend to drop many of the things we had planned to do, in favor of doing a lot of nothing! It is a vacation, after all!

 

I TOTALLY agree! I think it is fun...mostly because of the anticipation aspect I assume.

 

We have probably NEVER done everything we "planned" on...but it was good to know we could have b/c we were informed ahead of time.

 

Thanks everyone for your re-assurance! DH says it is "weird" and laughs a lot when I am on CC..but he's the first one to say "get on CC and find out if.." or "get on CC and ask them if..." so he definitley benefits from my obsession. :p

[Host Kewlguy]

I TOTALLY agree! I think it is fun...mostly because of the anticipation aspect I assume.

 

We have probably NEVER done everything we "planned" on...but it was good to know we could have b/c we were informed ahead of time.

 

Thanks everyone for your re-assurance! DH says it is "weird" and laughs a lot when I am on CC..but he's the first one to say "get on CC and find out if.." or "get on CC and ask them if..." so he definitley benefits from my obsession. :p

 

It's also a good idea to have a plan B, just in case. We did a cruise to Quebec City in October 2005 and I spent a lot of time before the cruise planning the entire day. We were to rent a car and drive the Quebec countryside during our 12 hours in port. Unfortunately when we arrived the Quebec countryside had a major snow storm, meaning all the planning I had done was a waste of time. Couldn't risk the rental car getting stuck in a snow drift. We just decided to drive around the outskirts of the city rather than the snowy countryside and actually enjoyed the unplanned day. Although I did save all the research I did for the next time we travel to Quebec.

[IBookHePays]

I spend hours researching and planning and writing lists....it's enjoyable to me. I do try to stay flexilble, also.

 

My family makes fun of all my folders, lists, etc. but the best compliment came from my daughter this week:

"Mom, we like to laugh at you, but when it's go time, you're the best!":)

[Kruuzin]

:p

DH just asked "are we weird?" as I was writing in my notebook different things to remember (i.e. Vintages has free appetizers, etc..)

 

I have one page of different cost activities (excursions/specialty rest/casino/drinks)..just to make sure we are budgeting properly. Then another page of ideas for excursions, what to do in each port..etc. What C&A coupons we can use.

 

Am I weird? I just like to be prepared...:rolleyes:

 

 

Not a bad idea. Also, if I could keep it up during the cruise, I wouldn't have such a hard time remembering what I did and on what day.

[lori450]

Not weird. It's called, "having fun". I've always said that the fun of the cruise may last only a week, but the fun of the planning (anticipation) can last for months. Enjoy!!

[Trainman-2]

All the money you save by planning your activities in advance and saving a buck where you can should go into your next cruise fund! :D

[teacherkim]

If it is wierd, then count me in! Since I am the planner/organizer for a family group of 7 going on a Med cruise, I have a binder divided up by ports, ship, hotel for pre-cruise, etc. It is not about being regimented on vacation but about getting as much info as possible to have choices and make the most of your time. And as others mentioned it is fun for me, although my family thinks I am a bit crazy:rolleyes:

[chasetf]

..........Am I weird? I just like to be prepared...:rolleyes:

For some people the planning experience is as (or almost as) important as the actual experience. I can particularily understand that if controling costs is important. Others kind of just go with the flow. We probably fit somewhere inbetween. I also think as people get more experience cruising they will better know what to expect, know what worked and what didn't.

 

For instance.... Now I pack my bags, and when I am done, I go through it and remove about 1/4 of the stuff I put in them. :D

[lori450]

BTW - there are websites with cruise packing lists, etc.

[Mr.J]

DH just asked "are we weird?" as I was writing in my notebook different things to remember (i.e. Vintages has free appetizers, etc..)

 

I have one page of different cost activities (excursions/specialty rest/casino/drinks)..just to make sure we are budgeting properly. Then another page of ideas for excursions, what to do in each port..etc. What C&A coupons we can use.

 

Am I weird? I just like to be prepared...:rolleyes:

A wise way to travel. I do the same thing.

When you're on vacation you want things to go smoothly.

There are times when you just go with the flow. And then there

are times when you say "what should we do?"

If you have a list of already agreed upon possibilities, notes, coupons, etc.

It saves valuable time and let's you make educated decisions.

Being on a cruise - wonderful.

Being prepared - priceless!

[mands]

Okay, I've read the entire thread and heard how organised everyone is (i'm also one of those) but no-one seemed to get to the bottom of if Vintages has these appetizers or not - also what about the Champagne bar, did someone say they did?

[Emi's Mom]

I also keep a spreadsheet of all our cruises. Sailing dates, ships, reservation number, room number, prices, OBCs (RCI stock, booking on board, TA credits, etc), balcony discounts, etc. Wow, maybe I'm the weird one!

 

No you're not... unless I am too. I have a spread sheet just like that and I've included the upcoming cruises too...even ones that I want to take in 2010 and beyond :p (now that I've posted this I think I'm the wierd one).