What – pray tell – can it contain of such importance that one will “schlep” rather than “check” their luggage when cruising? Oh no – Lorraine is not talking about a tote bag or small carry-on - she’s referring to those who attempt to drag three or four bags onto and off of the ship. Not only is it unnecessary - it can pose a danger to your fellow cruisers.
Case in point. On most recent cruise, a woman was attempting to ascend the boarding escalator dragging three bags – having no free hand to hold the railing, she fell backward taking three innocents with her in the domino effect. Oh Joy!
Speaking of “lugging” – too often “self-assist” departure becomes more like “self-defeat” departure. To use this “early-off” feature – cruisers must be able to get all of their luggage from their cabin, through the passageways, down the stairs, and off the ship all by themselves. Don’t count on using the elevators - they’re filled to the gills on departure day.
It’s always puzzled Lorraine why one would choose to end what was a relaxing cruise vacation with such madness. Okay – so you get off the ship earlier….you still have to wind your way through the terminal and wait in what often become long lines to clear customs/immigration. Yes – unlike the cruise “newbies” mistakenly believed on a past cruise – taking your own luggage off does NOT mean you get to bypass customs!
Just relax – put your luggage outside your door on the final night (making sure you keep something to wear off the ship) – throw your incidentals in a tote bag the next morning – have a leisurely breakfast in the dining room (before you have to start waiting on yourself again) and wait for your departure number to be called. Trust Lorraine, you will depart the ship in a much calmer state of mind.
Besides – what’s the rush? You’ll be back to the “real world” soon enough!