One would think after packing for three previous world cruises, it would be pretty easy to pack this time. Not so, as packing is always a stressful time for us. We actually started the packing process the week of December 19th.
The first four pieces of luggage were the ones to be shipped by Luggage Forward via FedEx compliments of Regent (well I know the cost was included in our cruise fare). Our scheduled pickup of the bags was to be on the 28th but I delivered them myself to the FedEx office in Durango on the 27th as we had hair appointments scheduled on 28th.
The Luggage Forward bags are limited to 50 pounds each maximum but ours weighed less than 40 pounds each as they were smaller bags then we fly with.
Next up was the four pieces of luggage we will be taking on the flights to Miami with us. Rebecca discovered a rip in one so I had to order a new one from Walmart. It arrived via FedEx on December 27th two days early. We liked the luggage so well that I ordered another today (27th) and am having it shipped to a good friend (and Regent employee) who will bring it to the ship on boarding day. Really good price of $77 for an American Tourister 25x18x9 suitcase. Spinner, of course.
Packing is an art for us as we do not put all of one person's clothes in one or two suitcases. We put each others things in each bag. Matching outfits go in the same piece. As we both worked for an airline, we know luggage can be misplaced! We added Air Tags this time to the bags we will be checking for flights.
Also complicating packing is the world cruise Gala cocktail party, dinner, and entertainment will be held the same evening we board the ship. Normally the Gala is held in the pre-night hotel but not this time. The pre-night hotel is the Intercontinental Miami. Not sure why the change but boarding does not begin until noon, then luggage has to be loaded onboard and distributed to each suite. They expect people to dress very nicely for the Gala so we will have to know which bag has the clothes we plan to wear for that evening so we can get to it first. I expect a LOT of people complaining about this change!!
December 30th Update--Good News: Our FedEx shipped luggage we sent on the 27th has been delivered in Miami to Regent's port agent. Now all we have to do is get there ourselves! Just one more bag to pack.
Our flight to Dallas is mid morning on January 3rd. Praying the weather will cooperate for our scheduled departure from cold country! Next post will probably not be until we are in Dallas. In the meantime, we wish everyone a Happy New Year. Be safe out there!!
BY THE WAY: PLEASE DO NOT TEXT ME DURING THE NEXT 5 MONTHS AS THEY ARE EXPENSIVE INTERNATIONALLY! EMAILING ME IS OK.
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