Traveling with Charisma: Travel Guide Information Session

    10:29PM Jun 3, 2025

    Speakers:

    Chiara Latimer

    Charis Murray

    Jean Cotton

    Darlene Turner

    Robyn Brandon

    Rovina

    Kee

    habib

    Keywords:

    Travel guide

    Q and A

    Royal Caribbean

    travel insurance

    passport

    currency

    safety tips

    Royal Up program

    Rome Jubilee

    Santorini tour

    Mykonos

    Ephesus

    Naples

    luggage

    embarkation day.

    passport security

    cruise ship

    shore excursions

    travel irons

    steamer ban

    Rome early arrival

    baggage tags

    non-stop flight

    check bag

    dress code

    theme nights

    Santorini tour

    Mediterranean packing

    Pinterest inspiration

    action items

    Hi everyone, but it gives some more time for people to come in. As you come in, I'm going to mute you if you're not muted, just so we can keep any open mics and keep any extraneous noise to a minimum.

    But thanks everyone for your time. Just like the last one, I'm hoping this will be, I have it for up to an hour. Hopefully it won't take that long, but at the end, I'll be doing Q and A so it might be the full hour, but I do have some stuff to share, some q

    through, some tips and whatnot to go through.

    And then at the very end, I'm going to do um, Q and A, if there's anything that has not been addressed yet, or any clarification, etc. At the very end is when I'll be doing that. Hi, welcome. Welcome. For those who just recently joined, everyone was coming in. I'm muting at the moment just so we can keep any extra noise to a minimum. Going to give it a few more minutes, and then we'll get started. I'll be sharing screen, but what I'm sharing is also going to be sent out to everybody. So if there's something you know, you don't feel like you remember everything, write everything down, you're going to get this after Our meeting, as well as One of the resources you

    Hi, welcome, welcome. Welcome. At 635 I'm going to jump right in this way I can be respectful of everyone's time this Tuesday evening. You

    one more minute, and then We're going to get started. You

    all right, 35 35 so let's jump on in. So first off, I believe the meeting is being recorded. My sister was so gracious to allow me to use her AI, which not only records the meeting, but also creates a transcript of the conversation, and kind of sends out summary notes at the end as well. So very helpful. So if you haven't met me before, I'm Charis. Nice to meet everyone. I obviously do get called charisma a lot, and I understand why, but it's just Charis. So thank you guys for being here. I can't believe that next week is the trip. Basically. It's insane. So I wanted to get together before next week and just kind of go through any final Q and A's touch base with the group. So first housekeeping, I'm going to ask everyone to stay muted, just so we can keep any extra noise down. I will be taking questions, but not until the end of the session. But if you're worried about

    my assistant is here to assist with moderating the Q and A at the end. So if you need to write it down early in the chat, that's fine. Hello. Hello, you guys hear us. Hello, I can hear you. Hi. Okay, I'm going to meet you guys, just so we can keep noise down, but I'm glad you guys can hear me and everything. I'm going to be presenting. I'll be reading out loud, so if you're not able to see the video, you'll still hear and at the end, of course, I also will be sending out a recording to everyone, so you'll get the full experience as well.

    All right, so let me pull my slides up. We can jump right in. I Yes, okay, someone give me a

    just come off mic and just confirm for me that you guys can see my screen.

    Yes, okay, thank you guys so much. All right, so there we go. So I want to be able to see you guys too,

    and the the document. So, so I created a travel guide, I know, I've given you so much information, but I tried to create the Travel Guide to summarize a lot of the top major points, and then add also Q and A and tips in here as well. So everyone is going to get this. So it's nothing that you have to write down right now. You don't have to memorize all this. You get the recording. You'll get this document. And of course, you have the other resources I have prepared. So this is a travel guide to assist with. You know, as we're in our last stretch of getting prepared for the trip, this would be an assistance to you. So it seems like a lot of sections, but I promise it's not that long. I do talk kind of fast, so if I'm talking too fast. You forgot something you know, feel free to raise your hand. I can repeat or clarify whatever. But if you have a question or maybe a clarification on something that was a follow up to something I presented, I'm going to ask that you hold that until the end of the session. But if, for example, someone can hear me, or whatever the case, please let me know, or please put something in the chat, so I'm aware. So we have some before we cruise checklists. We have some import frequently asked questions on board the ship, frequently asked questions on board the ship, safety tips. I'm going to talk about Royal Caribbean's royal Up program. A lot of people probably gotten emails about that, their bidding program. So I want to talk about that. There's going to be information about Rome, and specifically about Jubilee, since we are in a jubilee year for the Catholic Church, um Rome, safety tips. And of course, that's essential as well, since we'll be there before

    pro tips, um, disembarkation day tips, and then kind of who to ask, and then what to pack and what not to pack. So let's jump on in. So this is going to be your main thing as you're packing, as you're getting yourself together, this will be kind of the thing you want to come back to and make sure you're hitting the highlight. So obviously passport being number one, pretty much everything else can maybe happen. But if you don't have your passport, if your passport is expired or damaged or whatever the case, that is going to impede the trip that you're going to have. So you want to make sure you have your passport. You want to make sure the expiration date is the date that you thought it was. Because sometimes you're thinking in your mind like, oh, you know, I have a few more years. You pull it out and realize that that is not the case. So go grab it. Go touch it. Make sure it is accurate. Make sure it's correct. In terms of, I sent out the e cruise documents either last week or earlier this week. You want to have that

    to print it. But if you

    you to your phone like it's a PDF or a file or something, is okay, your C pass is what was generated at the end of your check in. You can save your C pass to your wallet. If you've an iPhone, if you have an Android. I'm not sure if you guys have the same feature, but once again, if you want to screenshot it, that works as well your airline tickets. And I hope at this point, everyone has their flights, because we do leave next week. And same for transfers. So you want to make sure you're, of course, the transfer from the host hotel to be to Becky, a cruise port I'm going to be doing. But in terms of getting to the host hotel and getting wherever you're going to go after the cruise, was information that I provided for everyone to be doing independently. So you want to make sure you have that stuff checked off your list. Travel Insurance. I can't say it enough. If you haven't got travel insurance, please do what you can to get it. Get some type of coverage before we go in terms of your currency. So we'll be going to

    Turkey and Italy and Greece both operate on the euro. Turkey operates on the Turkish Lira. So if you want to get some cash for tips, for small souvenirs. A lot of places will take cards. And I would say, if you're gonna use a card, use a card that has no foreign transaction fees. But if you don't have one, you can still in the foreign transaction fee just your small but if it's like, maybe 50 cents here or there. But if you're using a lot, you know we don't want to give any money away that they need to be giving away so your credit card make sure if you need to notify your bank that you're on travel to do so, so that they allow you to use your card. And I have Bank of America, and they are quick to turn that card off if they think it is fraudulent. So you want to make sure your bank is aware. The European plug adapters, I believe I had linked, recommended adapter, and one of the resources that you can get on Amazon, if you have enough, if you already have one,

    he's over there are different than the plugs that we use here in the US. Now, on the ship, you're not going to have an issue, but like in the hotel before the cruise, the port in the hotel might be different, so it's good to have it. And the adapter I had sent, I think, believe, also has like a US. So you can still use it like when you're home, but then you can use it when you're traveling in the future, too medications and copies of prescriptions. This one is pretty important, because you have a medication, especially if it's a medication that may be, you know, definitely a controlled substance. You want to make sure you have a copy of your prescription with you in case you are required to present it. I have not had that happen. However, it is always said that you need to be traveling with your prescription in case it does come to a point where customs or Gration is asking you a question about it. A day bag for embarkation day. So embarkation day, you have your carry on. You have your check bag. Ordinarily, the cruise line takes your check bag because they're going to bring it on. A

    room for you. If I recommend having some type of bag though, that you can have your essentials in so like your carry on, because your bag may not come until later in the evening, depending on what you might need from it you want to kind of have whatever things you think you might need that first day, I will put them into your carry on, download the Royal Caribbean app and log in. I'll talk about that a little bit later too. And then, so would you have a question?

    Okay? And then you want to do any pre purchases of whether it's Wi Fi, beverage package, dining reservations or dining package excursions, etc. You can do all that through the Royal Caribbean app, but it's good to do that stuff in advance because it gives you availability that you may not have when we're on the ship. And usually the prices are better as well when you pre book that stuff. So import frequently asked questions. So if you don't know, we're going to, first of all, if you don't know I love that you're like now we're

    going to start in Rome. Then we're going to San serenity. We're going to kusadashi in Turkey, so Ephesus, Mykonos, and then we're going to finish in Naples and return, finally, back to Rome. What does tendered mean? Because Santorini and Mykonos are tender, tender cruise ports, which means the ship is too big to actually port there, so they have to use smaller boats to line up next to the cruise ship, have us load onto the smaller boat, and then that smaller boat actually takes us ashore. So there will be more information on the cruise ship, but I just want to give you that that information in case they've never been on a cruise where they had tender ports. Usually it's a tender port if the like very small island or country, or whatever the case, and they their port can accommodate such a large ship. So obviously, this is a pretty large ship. I have been on a smaller ship, Royal Caribbean, and still had to get tender, but for sure, grants, because we would never fit um. So do I need local currency in each port? I do recommend having some small amounts of euros in Turkish Lira. However, in Turkey, for sure, they will accept US dollars, and that is because the US dollar is stronger than the Turkish Lira. So last year when I had or the year before, when I was in Turkey and I had the lira, I think they were a little disappointed that I did not use my dollars. But like I said, they will accept it. But if you want to get the Turkish Lira as well, for sure, small amounts, we're only in Turkey for that one day. So keep in mind, you might only need $50 depending on what you want to buy, whatever the case. So you won't need hundreds of Turkish Lira. In terms of euro for Italy and Greece, they take the euro. They will not take the US dollar typically, and that is because the Euro is stronger than the dollar. So in that case, you'll either want to use your card where you can. And I try to my rule of thumb is that if I can use my card, I will

    cash only situations. I recommend getting it from your bank. So a lot of times, your bank, your credit union, whatever the case, you can get the currency, have it delivered either to your house or to the bank, and go in and pick it up before we leave. Just to make it more convenient for you, are short excursions worth booking through Royal Caribbean, they are and a lot of that has to do with convenience, because when you get to the cruise, when you get to the port, Royal Caribbean already kind of provided you instructions on where to meet your group, and you have a guide with you the entire time, so you're not kind of on your own wondering. The other thing too, and this is probably the most important, is if you are on a Royal Caribbean excursion, and that excursion, for example, is running late, they are. The cruise line is aware of that they're waiting. If you do an independent tour and you're late, that's a different situation. A lot of ones that do independent do guarantee back to the ship or that they'll, you know, get you to the next port, whatever the case. You don't want to take that risk, especially these countries or whatnot. So Royal Caribbean is definitely a safe bet, especially for, I would say, the ports that are tender, because the tender price is a little more complicated than just getting off the ship, and Royal Caribbean walks you through that. So when we do the Santorini excursion, they're going to we're going to be like with the person the entire time, so we won't have to worry about how to manage that by ourselves, but it is safe. So the next question, is it safe to explore ports on my own? It is. But as always, be vigilant. There are crazy people everywhere. It's not unique to the US. So whenever you're especially somewhere new or different, you want to be vigilant. You don't want to necessarily stand out as a tourist, because, of course, then People sometimes talk people sometimes target tourists because they think that they're naive or whatever the case. So you just want to make sure if you're going to explore your own maybe do a little pre planning to get an idea of where you want to go. Download obviously, a Google Translate app. Just prepare yourself, essentially, for being in a full drink.

    First language. Also,

    once again, the ship does not wait for like travelers, peer runners is a real thing. So if you are going to explore your own you definitely want to make sure that you get back to the ship by the time that we leave, which is a great segue into next question, What time should I return to the ship in each port? So when we get to each port, and actually, as you're leaving the ship, they're going to have a sign that tells you what the All aboard is, and they always tell you as well. So you hear about the All Aboard all the time, because that is the time that you need to be back onto the ship. Usually it is 30 to 60 minutes before let's say they say we leave at 10. Then maybe all aboard is 930, or nine o'clock. You want to make sure that you allow yourself time, especially when we tender to get back on board. And they'll tell you for the tender ports, what time is the last tender. So you want to make sure you're on that last tender so that you are not left behind, but it's always going to be in your so the cruise compass is in the Royal Caribbean app for those who do like to have a paper version, but either way, it's going to be somewhere listed and before you leave as well, let's say You missed a sign. You can always ask any, any person saying they're like, hey, just want to confirm what's the All Aboard time, so that you are clear on when you need to be back onto the ship. What should I wear when visiting religious sites during excursion? So this one is what I would say is, you know, common sense, but it's always good to say it again. Obviously, if you're going to a religious site, you want to be respectful and wear modest clothing, which might be covering your shoulders, covering your knees, etc. So depending on what excursion you might have, you might want to just pack a shawl with you, or something like that, so that you're prepared. Will your phone work in the port? So that's going to be very carrier specific. So if you're not sure, reach out to your carrier to confirm if you have international on your plan. If there's something you need to do to activate it kind of what they

    and maybe just or even put your phone in airplane mode and just leaving Wi Fi open so that you're not accidentally activating something. So I would say the biggest thing definitely would be put your phone in airplane mode, like when in doubt, and then if you're sure that you're good to go, or you're sure that you know how to activate it, then take it out. But remember, once again, when you're back on the ship, I will put it right back into airplane mode, and then what should I bring ashore for port days. So this may also be dependent upon, like your short period you might to add to this list. But basically, you need to have book, bag, day bag, purse, whatever you want to have. Your C pass card, you will always have to have that to get off and on the ship. Your C pass card, I always recommend having some form of identification on you in case you need it, local currency, so that you can pay maybe one specific major credit card you want to have with you're going to use a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and then whatever comfortable shoes you'll need

    for whatever you're going to be doing that day. So

    take a picture of what's in the daily compass or what's in the Royal Caribbean app. Screenshot it this way, you are aware of when the the All Aboard time is, if you are in the Royal Caribbean app and you go to a port day, if you scroll down to when they say close to one will be departing, usually an hour or a half an hour around that range, it will have a part on there that says All Aboard time, and you can add that to your calendar. So this way it automatically comes up in your calendar as five o'clock as the All Aboard time in Mykonos, I'm making that up. I don't remember what the time is, but this way you're aware of like, what time you need to be back on the ship. So you can always have that added in the Royal Caribbean app, and have it added as if you were doing an actual activity. But instead, it's just kind of a reminder. But it doesn't hurt to also set a reminder in your phone, if you need to set up a alarm or something like that. Definitely do that as well, because I can't reiterate enough.

    To be like, Oh no, Miss Murray stuck on the port. I don't want that to be the case. So some port specific quick tips, like I said before in sans Seren and Mykonos, allow extra time for tendering, because it's not as simple as simple as you're just getting off of the show. Um, if you have a book excursions, you may want to start booking them. If you also, if you can book an excursion, that's like starting in the morning, that might be a great idea as well. To beat the crowds. Now we're going to be in Santorini in the evening, which is a very special treat, because a lot of times your import in the day, you don't get kind of the night activity. So in Santorini, anticipate that later in the evening we'll have fewer crowds, which would be very nice if you want to go off and, you know, have dinner or something like that. Santorini also has there's two ports in Santorini. There's athenios port, and there's what's called the Old Port. We are supposed to be arriving, or we're supposed to be from tendering to to land. I mean arriving at the atheneos port, which is able to get on your transportation or whatever the case. If we get on the tender, and let's say they change it, because sometimes they will change it, depending on maybe schedules are busy or whatever the case. And we go to the Old Port. Old Port has two ways to get to the main city, which is a cable car. Think of it similar to if you were, like, if you've ever skied or something, like, you're inside of guess it'd be a gondola. You're inside, and you're riding up on this cable car, riding up and riding down. It is a beautiful view, but the line, of course, can be long for the cable car. There's several. It's not like, it's just one, but there's, just, there's only a certain amount of people you can fit in each cable car, etc. So you just want to provide yourself time with that. If we're going to atheneos, then you don't have the cable car situation. But other than the cable car or you could walk, there are steps. I don't recommend that, but my dad and my brother decided to walk it down, and they survived so but

    the cable car. But keep in mind, this is Italy port, and we're going tendering to old port, but we're supposed to be going to at the Neal's port, so we should not have to deal with the cable car. But I wanted to mention it, because it is something that, depending on what the schedule changes, it might be something that we have to deal with. For kusadashi, wear comfortable shoes, especially if you're gonna do a tour in Ephesus. It's an archeological site, which means it's not like paid to nice. It's a lot of cobblestone, a lot on even ground. You want to make sure you have on good shoes so you're not slipping and losing your footing. The port area is also good for souvenirs, and it is custom in Turkey to haggle, but you want to haggle respectfully, and you want to haggle if you genuinely are interested in buying something. So don't just haggle. To be haggling, but it is kind of commonplace to be haggling in Ephesus. The other thing too, I just want to throw this out there, because it's not on here, but um,

    straight animals are just kind of out and about, and they're kind of communal animals, like Snow's animal, but everyone takes care of it. In Turkey there are a lot of cats. So I say that because, if you're not a cat person, that's just something to be aware of. They're not going to be attacking you and stuff. But I just say that to say, like, I don't recall being anywhere where I've seen so many stray cats. In Turkey, there were a lot of stray cats. Um, Mykonos can be very windy, so maybe don't bring that hat. Or if you have that hat, make sure it's secured. It is very windy, but it's nice because the weather is hot. You know that wind is fantastic. You also might want to bring a light jacket just to keep yourself warm. If you're someone who is frequently cold, such as myself, when you do tender to the port, you can then walk to Old Town. And Old Town, it's a lot of beautiful shops, boutique places, restaurants. Is a very nice spot to just kind of walk around take. I mean, it's very picturesque. Same Santorini is very picturesque. It's beautiful. So just taking pictures and stuff like that.

    Pre consider getting an early ferry. So once again, just give your time. Give yourself time for the commute. And then try Neapolitan pizza, because Naples is where pizza was created. So you want to definitely try it there. And then this is just a general tip. And for each port day in the app, they show you the port, emergency contact information. I recommend screenshotting that before you get off the ship, so that you have it. I believe it has an address, a phone number, in case, for whatever reason you need to reach out. That's very good information that you want to have. All right, so on board the ship, frequently asked questions, is there room service? Yes, there is, but there might be a the food might be free, but there might be a delivery charge. So keep that in mind, but it is 24/7 room service. How do I purchase a drink package, especially dining, you can do that in the app or on the Royal caribbean.com website, in your cruise planner. Can I purchase a drink package? Absolutely, you don't have to have a drink package to be purchasing drinks. A drink package is good if you think you're gonna be purchasing a lot of drinks, it might be the better value. But you definitely don't, you know, you can have a glass of wine at dinner. You can have that coffee in the morning, etc. You don't have to have a drink package. It's kind of it's going to be charged like a la carte. Are there fitness and spa facilities on board? There are both. I personally am not a gym person. I don't visit the gym, but I can tell you, the spa is amazing, and on the first day is a great time to book your reservations using the first day. They also have a spa raffle where they have, like, a special discounted price. So when we get on the ship, look for that, because you want to be there to get that deal for the spa if you plan on going to the spa, and usually you can also get good deals on port days, because most people off the ship, so kind of as like an incentive, they'll have lower prices on a port day if, for example, you went to port, came back on The ship, and I get off again the spa, you

    um, are there adult only areas on the ship? Yeah. So there's a solarium, which is up where usually on the deck, 12 maybe, but it's a pool area. There's lounge in there, and it's just an adult only section. There's jacuzzis, regular pools, they're even at a certain time, is like a lunch bar, and it is a 18 plus only area. So it's very nice, especially if you're not want to deal with, you know, screaming kids and whatnot. Can you access your email, your social media on board if you have a voom WiFi package? Yes, you can. If you do not, no, you cannot, but you can still use the Royal Caribbean app without the boom package. You also can chat with other people through chat. Let me clarify, chat with other people on the cruise through the Royal Caribbean app. So you can you don't need to have any Wi Fi or anything for that, but if you want to do more things, I recommend having a Wi Fi package. They also make they

    started that and got rid of it, but that's that may be an option as well to talk to guest services about, if maybe you only need Wi Fi on the ship for like, one day. But if you're off the ship and you're, you know, we're off the ship pretty often, that's a good time to use your Wi Fi and check your social media and whatnot. Um, instead of having to pay if you don't necessarily want to do you need to bring a pool towel. You do not they do have pool towels on the ship that you can take off the ship. The major thing, though, is make sure you bring it back, because at the very end, if they don't, usually they ask for your card when you like, check it out. If it's not checked back in at the end, you will have a nice little, usually $25 charge for that towel. So you want to make sure you do bring it back. How do I get help in case of an emergency? On board, there is an a doctor on board. There's a medical center on board, usually from any phone you can dial maybe 911, so if you're in your room, if you need assistance, you can dial the emergency number. But if the emergency happens, you are not going to be alone. There are medical professionals on board the ship. Are there specific dress the nights on the ship? There are. So if you have cruise before, this might be familiar to you, but if you have not, usually cruises do different theme nights every, every day, and they are optional. So if you don't want to do it, you don't have to, but they are listed in the app. But I did write out on here what days they are and what theme is. So for day two, there's a 70s night. Usually they have, like, a 70s party. A lot of people like to get into it. Day Three is tropical, so, you know, bust out that flowy dress and whatnot. Day four, it's 80s night. So once again, usually do like a 80s party. Day five is the all white night. On day six is elegant night, or dress your best, and usually an elegant night, as well as when they have free lobster in the main dining room. So keep that in mind too. And then day seven is what's called, like resort casual. But keep in mind, these are all optional. So if you don't want to do the elegant, you know, night, you don't have to. There's sometimes I do it.

    Things that are will be happening during our cruise. Are there laundry services on board? Yes, there are, but they are not free, um, they're not self service, but they'll have in your room, like a laundry bag that you can indicate if you want to get things washed and folded, steamed, pressed, whatever the case. Usually the pro tip here is at the first day they do a deal. So if you get on the ship, you know, there's a lot of things you want to have pressed, maybe for elegant night, whatever the case, that first day is the time to do it. Usually there is a timeline of waiting to have it to your room steward by, let's say maybe 7pm that night to get it back the next day. But if you're going to do laundry service and eat pressing, that's a good time to do it, because there are no irons that you can use on board, just for safety reasons. So the cruise line offers kind of that deal the first day. Are there safes in the room? Yes, there are. And on each safe, there's instructions on how you can set the code so that you can secure your your valuables during your stay. Is there a mini fridge? There is, but a lot of times they want to make it clear that the mini fridge will keep your items cool, but not necessarily cold. So if you had, for example, a medication that required a certain temperature, please reach out to me so we can get a medical cooler for you to make sure that you can store your medicine at the proper temperature. Because your mini fridge may not get as low as it needs to. But if you're having, you know, put your bottle wine in there you want to put your drinks or whatever in there. It is going to keep those items cool. How does my time dining work? So if you didn't do a reserved time, I personally always do my time dining because I prefer to just go kind of when I want to. Basically, there's a set window of time. So I want to say, let's say the dining room opens at 530 and it closes at nine. Anytime soon, that time, you can go to the dining room or in the app like reserve a specific time and then show up to eat. If you have a specific dining time, that means you're going to be going to the same at six o'clock. Let's say, for example, at six o'clock you

    uh, wait staff, which can be a nice perk, but you don't have the same flexibility of I'm going to code eat when I want to. So if you did my time, dying doesn't mean that you, you know, won't get dinner. It just means that it's really on your time. How do I handle sea sickness? And this is a very valid question, especially if you are not a cruiser, the biggest things to always have are Dramamine boning. I do see people wearing these C bands. I'm not sure how effective they are, but I personally use Dramamine and boning because I have really bad motion sickness. I get motion sickness in the car, so they help me a lot. The other some other tips too, is like, fresh air is really great. So if you're not feeling great, you know, head out on the little deck. Get some sun, get some fresh air. I mean, you want to make sure you're staying hydrated as well on board the ship. Pro tip. So the first day, like I said, it's a great time to book your spa reservations, dining reservations. A lot of times that stuff is really available for

    them to acquire a pool experience. You can go to the solarium. That's the adults only section. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let them HRD know, or when you are let's say, if you want to eat the buffet, let them let a staff member know, so if they can make sure that you are taken care of, bring a reusable water bottle. They do have, like fountains and stuff where you can fill up your bottle on the ship. So instead of having to buy bottled water with the case, bringing a reusable water will help you save money that way. And then this is another important one. So if you're not sure what's complimentary, and one of the resources I did send was like, what's included in my cruise and what's not. But if you're not sure if something's complimentary or not, my rule of thumb is that they ask for your C pass card. It's probably not free, it's not complimentary, because your C pass card is also on the cruise ship, your credit card, for example, it's a few things. It's your IDs, your room card, but it's also your credit card. So they're asking,

    pass card is because they're about to charge something to your account. So if you're not sure, you know, obviously, just ask, like, is there a fee for this? What is it? And then you could change your mind. But if you're not sure, please ask. I don't want there to be any surprise charges that anyone has on the on the cruise. So first day onboard, tips, when you get on, turn your phone into airplane mode, get on the ship's Wi Fi, so you can jump right into the Royal Caribbean app and be connected. Explore the ship when we get on. Honestly, the Seas is beautiful. It's very big. And I liked how big it is because it didn't feel like it was as crowded as it was when I cruised it. It was fully booked, and it didn't feel like it was so it's a good time just to explore and see what's available. On that first day, do your reservations, either through the app or if you need to go to, you know, a restaurant or something you want to do reservations. Like I said, the first day is a good day to do that. Going to Guest Services, if there's any questions you have, whatever the case uses the first date, there are people. So just keep in mind

    that availability, and then, like I said, pack a small carry on or something, because as your luggage gets delivered, you just may not have access to what you want. So I would say, whatever you think you might need for that first day into maybe even the first night, have that in your carry on for you, and then take photos around the ship. Usually people, most times, are at the pool the first day they're relaxing, but it's a good time as well, too, to take pictures. You know, get your photos in scope out your Instagram, mobile spots, all that good stuff. So on board the ship, safety tips. I'm not going to go these line by line, because once again, you will get this. You you will be receiving this. But the muster drill is, is mandatory. You have to do your muster drill when you get on there's usually a video you watch in the app, and then you go to your muster station. When you get on the ship, there's staff all around who are there to help you. So if you say, Hey, I'm muster station, and your muster station is shown on your C pass, it will say something like before you

    you basically check in, give them your C pass so they can confirm that you have attended. And then after that, you're free to go watch those so you watch the video on the app, and then you're good to go, um, make sure you know where your life jackets are. You want to secure loose items, you know, especially where it sees be windy and whatnot, you want to make sure that you're securing your items. Hold on to railings. I use the safe for my passport, money, cards, etc. So you want to use your safe for the same just be cautious as you're walking around. Stay hydrated and definitely apply sunscreen regularly, especially if you're going to be drinking and stuff. You know, you really want and stuff. You know, you really want to stay hydrated, practice good hygiene. There's you will hear washy, wash you 24/7, by the end, you might be over it, but they, every time you come into like the buffet or something, they have the two sides where everyone can just wash their hands. So you definitely want to just be vigilant. Of course, you know, you're on a cruise, a cruise. A lot of people around. Not everyone has the same courtesy of covering mouth and they're coughing and stuff. So you just want to be vigilant and try to protect yourself. Usually, before I travel to I try to overload on on vitamin C, keep my immune system really tight, like I said, there's a medical center on board. And then as we get closer, we'll kind of see what the weather looks like. But you just want to, you know, keep your eye on about the weather and whatnot. And then, if anyone's smoking, usually there are designated smoking zones on the ship. Do not smoke outside of these zones at all. It's a safety hazard, and there are hefty fines as well if you are caught. So Royal Caribbean's royal Up program. So for those who've gotten this, who are maybe familiar or not, Royal Caribbean does what they call their royal Up Program, which allows you to bid for a better room category. Now the downside is, you don't know necessarily the exact room, but you know like you'll be getting a, let's say, for example, an ocean view balcony, but you can get it you had just booked it out, right? So you don't have to participate in the program. You can get the email and just let it go. But if you're thinking it might be a good idea and you're interested, have that discussion with the person you're rooming with. When you do the bid, it does, they show you an amount, but it's a per person amount. So let's say your bid is 300 it's actually $600 total, because it's double occupancy, and so that's how they do it. So I'd say if you're going to do that, definitely have that conversation the person you're rooming with, but if you're the person who's putting in the bid, your card is the one that they're going to be charging, they're not gonna then have the roommate go in. So you guys, just want to make sure you guys are on the same page about that if you choose to do it, something to keep in mind, though, which is the bid acceptance can vary. Sometimes you get accepted earlier, unless you only accepted until closer, and then sometimes you don't get accepted at all. But when you put your card information in, when they accept, it is when they charge your car. So I would say, if you're not sure, you can withdraw a bit

    before you withdraw,

    just keep him. Keep that in mind. But once again, you guys will have this to kind of review further about the exact process. But I just want to kind of give an overview that that is something that something that you see. It is not complimentary, but it does. It can give you a really good deal. Um, you want to keep in mind, once again, your state room is not one of your selecting. Um, they're going to assign it. So you may not like your room, so keep that part in mind as well. Um, yeah. So then we'll jump into Roman jubilees. So it's the Catholic Church is Jubilee. It usually happens every 25 years. It's a special year of grace and pilgrimage. So people travel to Rome to be kissing the hand of the Pope, getting penance, whatever the case was, a very special religious experience. So a lot of people will be in Rome. So I say that to say, manage your expectations accordingly. Please pack your patience. Once again, everyone doesn't have the same courtesy. Everyone's not raised the same so you just want to pack your patience, manage your expectations, and then just stay positive about the fact that either way you're in Rome, you could be at work, but you were in Rome. Will the duplicate events affect transportation? They will, and that's just because it's going to be more people in Rome, which means that if you're deciding to take the train or bus or whatever the case, and you have you're maybe doing it spur of or regular public transportation, it's going to be busier than it is. Rome does have Uber, so you can use Uber but of course, keeping in mind that Uber prices varied, so if it's a peak time, or if there's a lot of demand, then prices will reflect that accordingly. And then you can participate in the Jubilee events. There is a official website that talks about all the different events. So if you would like to figure out what's going on because you want to visit, you can visit that website and kind of plan your pre or post cruise accordingly. And then this one is just about the cruise port. So Chibi tebechia is about an hour, hour and a half from Rome city center. Of course, the transfers have been organized, so we'll all you'll have to do is meet in the lobby. I'll give everyone information regarding what time we need to all be in the lobby and be ready to board our transfers. But just keep that in mind that the cruise port is a little further away from Rome city center. Rome. Safety Tips, I would say the main one I'm going to highlight. I'm going to go through these one by one. The main thing I want to highlight is pick pocketing is very common on a lot of European countries. So you just want to make sure your items are secure. If you have like, I had bought one of the like cross body bags, it's a good option to have it on you keep things closed. Keep your pocket zipped. Don't put your phone in your back pocket. Stuff like that, they move really quickly. You just want to make sure you're being vigilant once again, about keeping your items, your items so and then, once again, obviously, dress for where you're at. You know, be respectful. Cover shoulders, knees if you're going somewhere, they do have Uber. If you're looking for a taxi, look

    for a white taxi,

    so that you are in a legitimate, licensed taxi. You know, stay hydrated. Let's see anything else, and there'll be a lot of police presence, probably, especially because it's um Jubilee. So you're going to definitely be respectful of the police, um, and keep in mind, you know, like we're not going to be in the States, so just keep that peace in mind, um, that you would be somewhere foreign. So you just want to be vigilant about that now. Miscellaneous. Um, so, once again, travel insurance recommended Absolutely, if you have not gotten it, please, please, please, please, please, make sure you're covered. Um, because everything is good until it's not. So please. Um, think about getting travel insurance when you reach out to your credit card company, find out, like, what needs to happen, all that good stuff. But you just want to make sure you have some type of coverage. Can you drink tap water? That's a good question. So I would say, on board, you're good to go, but if you're going to be in Port, I recommend bottled water. And it's just because everyone's stomach and body is different, negatively surprised. So I would just say, try to stick to bottled water or your reusable water. If you're in poor maybe fill it up before you get off the ship and go import. Is there a baggage limitation? So the cruise line does not this is a from officially, what royal equipment says is that they guess may bring a reasonable amount, right? Obviously, reasonable amount becomes subjective. But you want to keep in mind that your stateroom is not huge, so you want to be able to store your luggage comfortably in your room, especially if you're rooming with someone else as well. I recommend, though, that everyone limit themselves to one check bag, one carry on, and that's because for the transfers, that's really more so where it comes in, because trunk space is limited, unless you have like a van or a mini bus or whatever the case. I have talked in depth to our transfer company about luggage. So we're trying to anticipate if there's case any extra bags or something that we have enough space. But you just want to keep that in mind that

    for your transfers as

    so pro tips, download the real recruitment app, play around with it, figure out how it works. Just so why? When we're on the cruise ship, you know you're already kind of familiar how to add events and stuff to your to your planner. Download WhatsApp at WhatsApp is a very commonly used application, especially internationally. So like, for example, if you reach out to your transfer driver or something like, they'll probably be reaching out to you on WhatsApp, via text or calling you. So download it, um, the plug adapter. Like I said, that was on the checklist. So make sure you have your plug adapter so that you're not negatively surprised in the hotel, um, I would say for your transfer companies information, have that screenshot or save somewhere on your phone so that you have it if needed when you get off the plane. As soon as possible, I would activate either your international plan or connect to the airport's Wi Fi in case you need to reach out to your transfer driver. This is another tip that I like, which is take a picture of your passport or have a photocopy of it like stuffed in your suitcase. If your passport gets lost or stolen, having a copy of it is going to make it a lot easier to get a new passport the embassy, if necessary, the smart travel enrollment program, aka step, is a free service that the US State Department does, you go on their website, apply for step and essentially what it does is it notifies the closest embassy to where you're going to be at, that you're there and kind of where you're staying, and all that good stuff. So something pops off, something happens. They know you're there, you know you kind of have their information, you'll have yours. So just like for peace of mind, I like to do it. I've never had to actually have something happen. But, you know, just the world is crazy, so you just want to make sure you're doing what you can to, you know, help yourself before checking your luggage, I'd say, have a luggage tag on your suitcase. It just has your name, your phone number, email, this way, if for whatever case you it's gonna be a lot easier to get it to you if they have your contact information, instead of trying to figure out, like, who? Suitcases this, pack a day bag, carry on whatever the case. I say, book bag, purse, whatever the case. Pre excursions, if you're prone to sea sickness, Ginger based products or boning Dramamine are really good to have, and I usually start them a full day before I actually get on the cruise. So that's kind of already in my system. And then have a reusable water bottle handy. This embarkation usually starts. This is when we get off. This is a sad price. When we get off, usually you start super early, 7am you will get more information on the ship regarding the disembarkation process. You have two options. You can do what's called self Assist, which means you carry your bags off the ship yourself and then you're on your way. Or you can do the regular debarkation, which is when the cruise line, sometimes they brought your bags on, they will bring your bags off, but regular debarkation is a slower process.

    Be the better option for you, because usually self assist starts first, and then they start the regular debarkation afterwards. Keep your essentials on you so never, never, never, never, never, put your passport, your check bag, your medications, all of this stuff. Keep that up in your purse you're carrying on whatever case you want to have it on your person at all times if you're traveling, just in case you and that bag don't meet back up, verify your your transfers. They do offer breakfast the last day. So you can have breakfast that last day, and they'll have information to where, where you can go, what time, still, um, the buffet and whatnot are available. This that, also, excuse me, is the last that you can get your photos of souvenirs before you get off the ship. Once you're off the ship, those photos are gone. So before you get off. If you want to have buy some last minute photos, do that, um, and then settle any outstanding charges. If you do a card account, like your debit card or your credit card, it will automatically just settle to that. You want to do a new, different card, you might be to change it. Um, also, if you're doing a cash account, then you need to settle physically, I guess, services. But if using a car, you don't have any issues, and there's no like transactions that you're questioning, everything's just going to settle to your car. You would a copy of what they call the folio, which outlines exactly all your charges and dates and all that good stuff. If everything is good, then you're good to go. This section will talk about, kind of who to ask. In summary, this section talks about, basically, once you're on board the ship, even though I'll be on the ship too, if you have questions, I'm around for sure, but a lot of stuff will be out of my control. So guest services on your stateroom attendant are going to be the people that you need to speak to. And this just kind of talks about different topics that maybe Guest Services can assist you with, and who to talk to. And then the last one is, what to what not to pack. So obviously this goes without saying, don't bring your gun, your knives, etc,

    drugs, controlled substances. And I would say for sure, also research what Italy and what these other countries consider to be controlled, because it could be different than what here in the US we consider to be legal and whatnot. So don't bring your weed. Um, just safe to say, you don't want to get into a situation. Um, like I said, you cannot bring like irons and stuff like that, but you can bring like flat irons and stuff like that. You just want to make sure your wattage is appropriate. But I've had no issue at all bringing my flat iron on my cruise candles and stuff like that, any open flame you cannot bring. And I did also put in the the link to Royal Caribbean school policy of what not to bring on board. So definitely get that it looks as you're packing this way. You're not including those things, but in terms of what to pack, passport, obviously, make sure you have that your light jacket or a sweater. It could be cold, especially at night on the ship, or especially just at night in general, medication, sunscreen, your hats, whatever attire you want to bring for the cruise ship, for, like, elegant nine, or whatever the case you want to make sure you have that stuff. So that

    is it.

    So let me stop sharing. So now I can see the chat, because I can't see okay, here we go. Now I am back, so let me go to the chat first and see if there's any questions. And then after that, I'm gonna there are no current questions in the chat. So we wanted to give anyone a minute who may have questions. Oh, absolutely yes. Please, just raise your hand or come off mic please.

    Looks like Jean unmuted.

    Yeah, I actually have a question. Hello, Charis and everyone. My question is okay in terms of the what was it? I'm looking at my notes on uh,

    oh, God, oh, the flight. So the flight, flight information, you give us the ticket information, or, how is it? Because I know I've, I've, where do I how can I print off my flight information?

    Yeah, no, I didn't want to cut you off, yeah. So I will. It's in your so first is in your invoice. Every invoice has, if you did the Royal Air to see it, has your, what's called record locator, and that's what you use directly on the airline's website, that and your last name to see your flight information. So I believe your flight is on either airways so your record locator is in your invoice and it has your departing. I think it's two separate ones. I think there's one for your outbound and one for your like return. Yeah, you'll put that information and you go to either airways website, there's a section where you can do what's called, manage,

    your fight, your like, your your name and all that good stuff. You'll be able to see, like, if you want to, like, pick seats, chain seats, because it's a transatlantic flight, they will be serving dinner. So if you have a specific, like, dietary constraint for dinner, you can make that indication prior to your flight. If you need, like, you know, kosher dinner or whatever the case, you can do that in there as well.

    And I'm having a moment. I did, I actually did go in with my roommate, Rovina, and we did select our seats. So, yeah, okay, so it's the flight, it's the it's the record. Yes,

    yeah, we were able to do the seat and meal for the outbound flight, but when I tried to do the seat and meal for the inbound, I wasn't able to see the returns like, even though the record indicator from the invoice is there, so I'm not sure I'm gonna have to call them.

    I just couldn't get to where we can select our seats

    on, Oh, I see, okay, you could see it on the like, you could see the flight stuff, but in terms of, like, managing your seats, that was not an option. I could see it on the invoice, but when I put the return flight indicator information in their website,

    it kept bringing the outbound flight, not the return.

    Oh, I see. Okay, let me take a look. Can you do me a favor? Can you email me or just so I can take a look for you, and we can just get that resolved. Because,

    yes, yeah, when I get back to the house, yeah,

    yeah, yep, whenever you get a chance, I just want to make sure you know we can, we can get that resolved for you. Perfect. Did you have another question? Jean, I know. Yeah, real quick.

    Okay, I went. When I enter my passport information, I noticed it said something about boarding. I used to use the boarding

    do I click that it's in? It's where you know when I edit and

    did it give you the option to, um, I do know what you're talking about. Did it give you the option to, was it giving you a notice that this information is going to be used for boring photography? Or was it asking you to opt either opt in or opt

    out? It just made an it made the it's the comment or statement, okay that if it meet, I guess, in other words, if it needs to be, but I know we're going to be boarding. So I was like, I guess I didn't check it. I just wasn't sure to check that for a boarding for the use of the passport Gotcha.

    I'll go with what I'll do is I'll go and read the language again. But usually what that means is that when you put in your passport information as part of like the boarding process, they're using either your passport picture, or sometimes I'll have you upload, like a separate picture. So whenever you are

    this is the A

    type to your C pass card, and it's a way they verify like that you are you, so no one can steal Jean's card and act like I'm on the ship. They're going to be looking at you to make sure, like, Yup, this is her. So just for security reasons too, is why there's a photo link to your account

    and my last Thank you. And my last question is that in terms of stamps, because I know when we go, we should bring our passport, original passport, and leave a copy of our passport in our room, correct in order to get stamps,

    I was so in terms of passport,

    do not

    get, like, tourist passport stamps a year passport. I know it has definitely happened in the past, but immigration considers that to be damaging your passport, or, like, compromising your passport. Okay, so if that's something that you've done the past, and I know I have, I don't do anymore, though, because I don't want to get caught up. Because there has been a person who has gotten had an issue because they consider her passport damage, and she was having issues either entering back into the states or whatever the case. So I would say if you're going to either buy like, maybe, like a souvenir passport book on Amazon or something, and bring that with you. But I would say your actual passport, unless it's like immigration, like you're seeing the control and border, you know indication, and you know they're official people, nothing else should be stamped in your passport, other than what those people are giving you. And

    you will let us know if that's the case, right? Like, what's real, what?

    So you'll, you'll know for sure, like that, yeah, everywhere you, if you're like, everywhere at a place with immigration, you're seeing the signs. You're seeing the the information on the wall, um, there. It's very clear. Versus, if you're like, at a

    little monitor, you right?

    We're doing, um, passport stamp souvenirs, because sometimes they'll also ask you, like to pay a tip or something. You're never having to pay for a passport stamp, or you've paid when you bought your flight, so you've never had to then pay again to get your staff at immigration. So that'll be, like, a, I would say, major indicator that this is probably not a legitimate place, because the border control like they're wearing the border control uniforms. They're in uniform because they're at work. So if someone's in, like, casual clothes and stuff like that, it's a pretty big red flag that that's not an official person and they should not be standing but we do

    carry our passport everywhere we go correct our original.

    This is something that's debated. It's kind of hit or miss. I think it's more so preference, I would say, have some form of your passport. So remember I mentioned, like having either a picture of it or a photocopy? Um, because I think it's always good to have that identification on you. Some people prefer not to have it on them, because they're like, What if I get mugged and they steal my like, what

    if I get left and my passports on the ship? So you can hire like, that situation of like, it's there's really no clear what to do. But I do recommend having your pack. First of all, having your passport wherever you have it. Have it secured. So if you leave in the room, put in the safe. If you have it on your person, have it on your person. If you cross body bag, you know, have it in something so someone can just snatch it and keep it moving. You just want to, you know, definitely heavily guard your passport for

    sure. Okay, I'm done. Thank you.

    Yeah, no problem.

    You had a hand from Kee, I believe, yes, yeah.

    I was just gonna ask, hi everyone. I was just gonna ask, I can't remember, did we prepay? Did some of us prepay for the utilities?

    Some people did. And if you're not sure if you did or did, or did not, definitely reach out to me. I can confirm for you. Some people chose not to, but then some people did choose to.

    Okay, I just wanted to my head. I'm like, I don't remember

    who

    didn't didn't, but you're absolutely right. Some people did and some people did not. So if you're not sure, let me know. Um, your invoice should indicate in the line. I think it did. But I was looking at it on my phone, and I think it cut it off, so I may have to look at it from the desktop. Gotcha. Okay, all right, yeah, if you could send me a note just so I can double check for you. But I would say, yeah, it should be on, usually on the if your invoice mentions gratuities, it's because you appreciate them. If it just mentions cruise, fare, taxes, Port fees, then you did not prepay them. And if you think you did prepay them and your invoice doesn't reflect that, reach out to me too, so we can just come

    from Okay, thank you. Yeah,

    you do have one question in the chat. Hi, Charis. Can you tell us when the tour for Rome is? Thanks from Dr Sheree

    man love Yes, yes. So this is also on the already booked website too. I put the details of, you know what? I'm sorry I am misspeaking. That is for the Santorini tour. I will add that to the already book site as well. The tour is on the 14th,

    Saturday at 2pm and it leads from the host hotel, so they're picking us up from the hotel, but I will put that information on the site as well, so people can reference that too.

    Thank you. Thank you. No other questions. I

    do. So the t shirt, I know you asked about the size of the T shirts, how do they look? I'm just curious. Do we That's a

    surprise. It's a surprise. It's a

    surprise. All right,

    but I did. I was, I couldn't, obviously, surprise you all, with T shirts, and I was like, I don't know the sizes, so

    do we know the color?

    But

    will you share the color? Or do

    I'm between two colors, and it's more so because I'm trying to figure out, like, which one I like more, but the color, they're going to be, like, a light gray or white,

    okay,

    because of the like, the in

    terms of, like, being able to, like, read it and see it and so, yeah. So, yeah, I just want to kind of look neutral colors. Okay, so my hope is that it's a shirt that you'll want to wear, just, you know, maybe your airport shirt in the future, or something. All right, it's not just unit you can only wear, you know. Well, thank you. Yes, you'll get it on. My intention is to have them, since everyone like, officially comes in, at least on the fourth like, at the latest on the 14th is the 14th is when people will be getting all that information. You know there's, there's

    some places. Well, thank you. Yeah,

    nothing else. Because I knows a lot of information. I get it, I know my intention is to have everyone feel well prepared for the trip. I don't even like I did not need to pass hard. So I just, I'm trying to give you as much information, but obviously, keep in mind that I can't anticipate, you know, every single thing that might come up, but I've been trying, just on my historical trial and stuff like that, to anticipate what might come up, adequately prepared for the trip.

    And how many people are total in our group?

    33 of us. Okay, was 35 but two people had to, had to, had to leave. Yeah, yep.

    So it's 30 that's a manageable group for you. Or how is that

    it has been, I think, honestly, any more than that, I think will be too much.

    It might be hard. Okay, yeah,

    yes, in the chat, you have a hand too, okay, you can answer your hand first, if you would like,

    okay, yes,

    hi, because I can't hear you too much.

    Can you hear me? Yes.

    So my question is, if you have more than one bag, the luggage, the tags that you gave us in our booklet, we have to make extra copies of that

    if you're going to have the we get to the cruise port, the porters that are there are going to be taking our bags on but sometimes I don't have them do it, and it's just because I just sometimes prefer just to have all my stuff at once. I don't mind carrying, you know, lugging it all around. If that's something you don't want to do or you can't do because maybe it's too heavy, or whatever the case. You just need to put that tag on a suitcase that you're going to be giving to them so that they know where to deliver your suitcase if you're going to be carrying on your suitcase, and you're not going to need any the tag for that one, because you'll have it. So the tag is only for if someone else is handling, if the cruise ship is going to be handling, bringing your bag onto the ship.

    Okay? And so if we do have extra bags, because it looks like that, we may have one extra checked bag the um, that's fine, correct? Just one, I would confirm. Now,

    when you say extra, do you mean like you'll have two check bags? I Yes.

    Can you say that again? Yeah, two check bags. Okay, like one person's gonna have two check bags, correct? Yeah. Okay, so in terms of the cruise ship, that's fine. In terms of your flight, I just You would need to confirm. Most times for transatlantic, they automatically give you a check bag free. But a second check bag is usually one that you have to pay for, and then for your transfer. You just want to just close if you have or haven't booked it, like how much luggage, just when they're aware of the size of the vehicle that they need. Because, let's say, for example, you book your transfer, you say it's going to be five pieces of luggage, and then when the transfer DRO there's eight, or something like that, and the vehicle that won't fit it, or they have to bring a different vehicle in, the prices now change because it leaves a different vehicle. You just don't want to be in that situation. So however much luggage, you just want to disclose definitely to your transfer, like how much they're going to have so that you get the properly sized vehicle. Thank you.

    So in the chat, there's a question, is there a website to obtain more information regarding the ferry in Naples,

    there is, I will

    find it and send it out. And

    then also, there was a question. I just wanted to read it in case other people have the same question, do the tags need to be printed in color, or is black and white acceptable? And I did reply that they do. Black and White is acceptable. They don't have to be in

    color. That is correct. That is correct, and

    then it looks like you do have another hand from I thought it was Darlene,

    yeah. Hi, Darlene.

    Hello, everyone. Hi. I do think I thank you again for this wonderful adventure of a lifetime. And this is a lot of information, and in as much as we are right there, everybody needs to take note today is Deputy

    all the 12 months we've had behind us. It's now or never. My question was around currency. I saw that it was better to get the currency there. You're saying, Get the currency at your bank here now, but the fees were different.

    So you can that's also one of those things. It's like, which is, what is the better option? Because the conversion rate is not like a very clear, um, this is the conversion rate, and that's the conversion rate. Fair thing. Every bank, every like facility, has a different they do, right? So your bank might have a good one. You might have a better one in like, the like, in the we're going to roam, right? So in Rome, the reason why I recommend it to the group to get it beforehand was just because, for people who maybe were going to roam for the first time, or, like, navigating like, Okay, now how do I

    I'm not sure what the bank holiday hours are, the banks are closed and stuff like that. So I don't want someone to be in a situation where now they can't get the cash they thought they were going to get. Um, they do have ATMs. But once again, of course, depending on your bank, the fees might that your bank had might outweigh any savings you would have gotten through conversion. And then just in terms of convenience, because once again, you're trying to figure out, like, Okay, now that I'm here in Rome, where should I go to get it? So I think in terms of convenience, my personal opinion is that just getting it before I go outweighs me trying to get it when I'm there and navigating all that stuff, especially if I'm not driving, you know, I need maybe Uber to the bank or whatever the case. I just for convenience. I prefer just to have it before I even go, but you definitely can wait until you get there. It might be a better rate. And I will say right now, the world feels tumultuous, especially in the States. So I don't know,

    currency conversion has fluctuated, but I would just say, just keep in mind that if you choose to get it over there, that you maybe do some research prior to to see exactly where you're going to get it, what times they're going to be open, especially keeping Jubilee in

    mind. Okay, one more question was the time slots that we had for the excursions that we're doing with you? Did you can you put them in the notes, or were they already in the notes?

    So you're talking about the San serenity one and the Rome golf cart tour, correct? So they're on the so one of them is already on the already book web page for the Santorini one, I'm going to add the Rome one as well, because that one is currently not on there, so I'm going to have that on there This way it'll have the information in terms of, like, meeting point. In our case, for the wrong golf course tour, a meeting point is our hotel, but it'll have the time so you know when to like be in the lobby to meet our guide and stuff. So I'll put it on there, this way you can easily always reference it in case you're

    okay. And you did mention about passport on one hand, you said, take a copy, leave that copy in your bag, and then you said, put it in your safe. And then there was a question around carrying the the passport around. I don't know if that's the safe thing. Do you think that's the safe thing? Carry your passport.

    That's what I was saying. It's really a debatable topic, because you'll have some people who will die on the Hill that I'm not going anywhere without my passport, like, on me. But then you'll have people who are like, I don't because they're concerned about, like, if something happens to me and my passports on me. Now I'm in a situation, so personally, if I'm going to cruise, I usually just leave my passport in the safe

    right?

    But depending on where I'm going, like, if I am, like, flying into a country and staying depending on where I'm going, sometimes I might have it just on me, but it's not I wouldn't. I'm not really consistent. Feel like I'm like, I don't know, let me just have it, then I'll just have it. But on the cruise ship, I usually do leave it in the safe and then I'll have my like, maybe the photo copy will be on me. But I feel safer with the cruise line, just because, like, they're they're aware when you're off the ship and ownership, they are very aware every time you come on or come off there, it's getting your C pass card. So I just feel a little bit more secure. That's probably why I'll bring my passport with me. But I would say it is probably a preference, like whatever your comfort level is. So if you feel like you want to have it on you physically, definitely do that. But I would just say, guard that thing with your life if you want to leave it good to have a photocopy on you and link in the safe

    All right. Thank you so much.

    I think I saw another comment in the chat

    make sure didn't miss any so uh,

    Royal Caribbean port tours will be available for reservation on the first day of the cruise. So you actually can so yes, to answer your question simply Yes, but you also can book as long as it's available, you can book it like the day of I booked an excursion the day of a day before. So long as it's available, you can book it. But I would just say, obviously, the closer to that day, the less likely that it's going to be available. But yeah, if you wanted to wait till you get on the ship, there's a shore excursions desk, and you can go there and book it. I think Sheila had her hand up, yes. Can you hear me? Yes. Hi,

    hello, everyone. Hi, Charis, how are you? How's everyone doing? Did you mention before, I think you said something about you, you cannot bring any travel irons on board

    with you. That is correct. So I could bring, like a flat iron for your hair. But if he wants to bring, like a little, like a little portable, like small irons, you cannot bring those. You cannot bring them? Okay, good thing, yeah,

    so maybe bring, like, the,

    do they do on this? On the ship, have like, um, they can press your stuff for a fee, though, but they on the ship can do that, but, yeah, you cannot, like, in your room, be ironing like, your clothes, yeah, yeah. Yeah. And I thought I saw Kee. Thank you too. Thank you. I

    was just going to ask for you going in early. Are you fine in early?

    Are you? Are

    you going to be in Rome early?

    Yes, yeah, I'll be in Rome on the 12th, Alright,

    that was just in case, if we had questions, those that are coming in early,

    yeah, yeah, I will be. So my plan was to come in early so that as people are traveling, I'll be like settled, so that people have questions, or whatever the case. You know, it's not like me trying to travel same time. Y'all are. You all are, you know, obviously there a long period of time where I wouldn't have, you know, access to reach out to people. So my intention will coming in.

    I am settled and available to assist if need be

    okay. Thank you.

    Question, can you hear me? Yeah, um, what about a steamer? We have a small travel steamer. Is that okay?

    Um, no, I will confirm. But I'm almost certain a steamer is also not allowed. But I will confirm for sure. And then I think there was a, oh yes, yes, Jean, that is okay. Thank you so much. I appreciate that. Any other questions, and of course, this isn't the last time you guys can ask questions, but and you'll, of course, get the stuff I had shared tonight, so you'll have it to, you know, let it marinate before we leave. But I just wanted to touch base with everyone and make sure,

    you know, we got a chance to I'm

    Before we officially leave, it's packing time. I have absolutely zero clue what I'm packing. I don't know we will. I'll be, I know this. I'll be in Rome, everything else, just gonna leave up to God. But I will, for sure, be in Rome on the 12th, and I will be on the Christian so yeah,

    thank you for everything. Yeah, of course, the time and all the information and knowledge and just in your beautiful, bright personality, it's always nice to work with people who really enjoy doing this. So thank you.

    I appreciate that, and I'm excited. Like, I'm i The time. I think, regardless, my mind says, like, we're gonna have a good time, because we could be at work.

    That's right, we're not. So,

    so, yeah. So yeah. Like I said, there's any questions or

    something. If there was anything that you had asked about that I had mentioned, let me follow up. Please, just send me an email, just to to have it so I can just, you know, close the loop on that. I think I remember for sure, Jean or Venus flight. But I think some other things, my my brain out is terrible. I can't hold much, so everything's got to be written down.

    And the boarding part that boarding, when you go into, yes,

    yes, the language, right? Yes,

    photography,

    yes, yeah, yeah. I will take a look. But I'm almost certain that you see, and that's usually something that I say at all the cruise lines I've seen say that some type of language, and I don't know if it's just leela, they have to let you know, like there's a reason this little reason this information for but they usually do mention, like, this is going to be for boarding purposes. We're using your picture and stuff so that people are, you know, nowadays I think there's a lot of concern about people's information and, like, what's being done with it, all that good stuff. So I think they're supposed to disclose

    that information. So thank you.

    Good look. I got a quick question that I did not add to my Google Form. I was wondering about the baggage tag that you sent the other day, the one that you emailed me is my baggage tag, right?

    Yes,

    so she'll be her own.

    Actually, no, there is. Let me go back and double check, usually, for the same the the major part of the baggage tag is the room number. I don't believe our names are on them, but I believe the number, so for the same rooms y'all would have the same like, yeah, so y'all can however many you need for, like, however much luggage you're going to have them handle for you.

    Okay? And then another question that I did not put on my form is about the flying when we fly through British Airways, do I have to buy a luggage tag for the check back through them, because I'm not sure if we're on that same flight the entire time. Like, are we? Are we going through a bridge flight from Charlotte I

    believe your flight is non stop, if I don't, if I recall correctly, I'm almost certain you have a non stop from Charlotte, straight into Rome,

    um, baggage, check bag. So

    when you say a check when you say a luggage tag, do you mean like the tags that you like just put your information on, or you mean like paying for a check bag, paying

    for a check bag?

    Oh, I see. Okay. Okay. Let me confirm, because a lot of times for transatlantic, your check bag is included. Okay, it can depend on your fare, so I just need to confirm if that is the case. Now, if you needed to like do, let's say you have two check bags, like you yourself, not maybe like you yourself. Have two check bags your second one, if your first one is included, your second one is not. But once again, the fair makes a difference. So I want to say for your fair, one should at least be included. But for example, if you chose to upgrade your fight to business, usually,

    two check backs included. Okay, perfect. But I'll just confirm that for you,

    the questions that I sent on the Google Form, have they already been addressed in the poll? And then I'll just watch it back.

    Let me go back and look, I remember your first one was about what items to bring. And yes, in that Doc, there's a there's a checklist on, like, I think, first second page of the document that kind of goes through all the things to make sure you're checking off that you have your other question. Let me,

    Oh, see, because

    I can't remember off the top my head what your other question was, and it may have been answered because the ones that so if I emailed you directly because that was a question that was more specific, like your situation, if I didn't give you an answers because I had intended to answer it like for the whole group, because I imagine that that was a Like a common question,

    let me see what your i

    One was, I think that one was about, I do remember your baggage question, I think I emailed that one your,

    yeah, once again, my, My memory now is always terrible.

    Cannot hold much. Let's see I'm

    sorry, my computer is taking its sweet time. Okay? Okay,

    you had asked, yeah, so the dress code, the theme nights, I did answer that, and that's in one of the documents. You didn't have to watch it, the document I had presented and was like reading through is going to be sent out to and one of the frequently asked questions in there is, are there specific theme dress lines? And that question is answered for the Santorini I did email you that, but that also is on the already booked web page regarding the doors, the details, excuse me, for the Santorini tour. And then the last one you would ask was more of like, a specific question to you. But essentially, when you get to Rome, unless you have, like, the wrong golf cart tour, like booked, the day is yours to do what you want to do with it. Want to catch up on sleep, gonna go eat, explore? It's up to you, unless you you and Maisie, of course, are doing the wrong golf cart tour. But if you were not, or, you know, after that, then the day is yours to do what you want to do with. Okay? Because

    it was a

    two separate day. Yes, yep. So the Rome golf cart tour is the 14th in Rome. This is before we get on the cruise

    ship. Okay, first

    the Santorini tour is like after our cruise has started. So our first day we get on. The next day is the sea day, and then we hit Santorini. So I believe that day is the 17th, but that date is also like that information is on the already book page. I'm going to add the information for the wrong golf cart tour as well onto the already book web page so you can ref, so it'll be there for you to reference in the future if

    you need it. Thank you. Yeah, is

    there anything else I didn't want to you know, I want to make sure people were able to ask and get their questions answered. If it's, you know, like I said, if it's something specific to you, we can definitely tag up to address it in

    so, all right. Well, thank you guys so much for your time. We definitely did go over, and I sincerely apologize, but I wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to ask their questions, and I had the opportunity to go through a lot of the major Q and A information so that you guys can help prepare. You know, get get ready for next week, which I still cannot believe. Like, good gracious, it's next week, but next week we are going to be in the Mediterranean. So if you haven't started packing, start looking. I told someone Pinterest, the um, a site I like to use to like, get kind of inspirational, like what outfits I want to use, or like what outfits I want to wear. So Pinterest is a good option to kind of get you Mediterranean inspired. So yeah, all right. Well, everyone have a fantastic night. I know I was gonna say Wednesday, but it's Tuesday, and so

    if there's something that has an action item, I will get back to you. If something came up that you thought about after our meeting, you want to tag up and just ask me a question. Where the case please please reach out. Otherwise, have a fantastic night and Chiara, can you stay on?

    Yes, thank you.

    And I.