Just about 2 weeks to embarkation

Hi everyone,
   As many of you know, Joe and I are going on a World Cruise that leaves Jan. 5, 2011. I thought you might like to know how this all came about this fall and also how do you pack and prepare for being away from home for 4 months.

When we were at our consortium conference in Orlando this past July, we noticed that the Vacation Vignette 2011 World Cruise had not been assigned a host. I immediately thought what an opportunity this would be for us, however when Joe asked he was told a host had been assigned but "was on the fence about doing it". In the meantime, we signed up for a 60 day back to back cruise from San Diego.

A Vacation Vignette is an added value for clients who book through a Vacation.Com affiliated agency. Included in the cruise fare are additional amenities that are not available to other passengers i.e.,a cocktail party, a shore excursion, and the services of a concierge host. We have been hosts on three prior cruises and enjoy doing it. I never thought I would have a job on a cruise ship. It can be a lot of work, especially if you have a large group.

We got word that the World Cruise was open in early fall, and changed our Vignette assignment. It was very exciting until I actually thought about what this would entail. I was up at night thinking about how do we file our taxes, what about our mail, what do I bring, can I stand being away from home so long, it went on and on for a few days.

Now that we are just two weeks away, the anxiety has left and it is exciting. I am ready to leave. We decided to drive to Fort Lauderdale in a rental because of all the stuff we will need and fly back.  The clothes packing just takes a little time to match outfits for days at sea, on shore, and for the evening. We have 18 Formal nights, can you imagine? We have  status on this line and get free laundry.  It is all the other articles that take up room, such as toiletries for 4 months, travel books, medications for Joe, paperwork for our guests and electronics. Our Ipad and Kindle will be well used.

We will try to post at least once a week. Joe does a better job than me.
Gina Wagg