First cruise in over 25 years

[AA_Jogger]

We've decided to celebrate our 40th anniversary by taking a two week cruise to Antarctica on the Celebrity Infinity in February'10. We have only taken a cruise once in our lives and that was over 25 years ago so we're not sure what to expect except that it will be memorable.

Our TA has us booked in Concierge class cabin 9125 on the 14-Feb sailing from Buenos Aires and we plan on arriving a couple of days early to see the city and to possibly take a side trip to Iguazu Falls. We think this forum will be a great resource in helping us enjoy our big cruise and look forward to posting a trip report when we return.

Right now it looks like our biggest challenge will be to try to limit what we pack since we'll be gone almost three weeks and will be experiencing temperatures from the 30's up thru the 70's so the tendency will be to want to take a lot of clothes. Unfortunately that means having to deal with the airline baggage restrictions and with lugging the bags around so we'd really like to "pack smart". Any packing tips from travelers who have done similar trips would be appreciated.

 

[BSeabob]

First Welcome aboard here . Second I think you will find a few changes in the ship since you last cruised. I think mostly to the good. 3rd. The infinity is a great ship to be celebrating on and one of our fav's.

Packing has indeed become a bit of a trick but since you are going south I don't think it's going to be that much difference than going north. There are tons of tips on the Alaska boards about dressing in layers etc. and I think that will be the solution here too. Take a warm undergarment that you can add a sweater or thicker top too and then a water proof shell to put over everything.

Formal cloths on a trip of 14 days can be done two ways. Skip the formals and do the casual dining for a small fee that night or even room service if you want. The dress code on all other days now on =X= ss "Smart Casual" which means a shirt with sleeves and slacks for the guys. The ladies can do the pants and drop dead gorgeous tops all the time.

or if you want to do the tux rent one. I have done this a few times now and it sure clears up a lot of space for packing. Tip there is to add a bit to your shirt sleeve length , do it by phone and ask making sure all the other measurement are exact. You need more length on the shirt but normal length on the Jacket.

good luck planning. Sounds like a great trip for a special time.

Looking at your room choice..its a great location near the main elevators and I do think you will be in an area that does not have a huge over hang from above. Sometimes that bothers folks as you are completely covered on your balcony. It looks like you should be ok for noise from the active deck above also being just under the front of the cafe area.

If you have any doubts at all about your location I would recommend going down one deck in the same location.

 

[Jeanie]

Welcome to our community, sounds like you made a good choice for a great celebration. You will find a lot of info on our boards. 1 myself is in the process of learning to scale down on packing due to the airline restriction. It is not an easy task. We still do formal nights. Ricks takes one tux and I learn to take light wait dresses. (one long and one short). To us formal night is special and a part of cruising. Have a great cruise

 

[Mbandy]

Ahoy Matey and welcome to Cruise @ddicts. :spyglass:

Check your PM's for some info I am sending.

 

[Ryne08Rich47]

Welcome to Cruise @ddict, wishing you and your spouse a Happy Anniversary.

And a very enjoyable cruise.

 

[Conniemc]

Welcome AA,

I just got back from Europe where I had 30+ degree F temp changes. It was the first time I had to deal with that particular challenge.

Opting out of formals isn't for me. So, I simply thought out carefully what would work for daytime excursions, my night garb is easy. Since you are going to Anarctica, you won't have the problem I did. I had to make sure my daytime apparel was as "cosmopolitan" as my ports were. No jeans and sneaks in the Med for me. I prefer to dress like the locals.

Anyway, you'll have it easy. Just pack lots of layered clothing as Bob suggested, casual for day and decide how dressed up you'd like to get at night. I prefer to dress each evening and only do "smart casual" on first and last nights. However, you could wear khakis every night too, and that would be fine.

My advice to women is always the advice I give myself. Pack what you feel GOOD in and don't forget the Spanx!

Oh, and one more thing. I never worry about needing something warmer than I packed, as Bob can attest, you can always pick up a nice hoodie, zip up coat and rain gear in the shops on board. Too hot? No problemo, t-shirts and casual short sleeves galore. Formal wear for women also has a good selection on M Class. Lots of various formal separates, bags, jewlery, etc. Not so much for men...they'd rather rent anyway.