FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about our travels on land or by sea? 

Send them to me and I will post answers here. Updates in RED ink & Green.

These tips are good to review even if you are a veteran traveler!

New & MORE NEW tips and FAQ here!   Green: May week 2  Last Minute: Blue

* Bring a highlighter to mark the Princess Patter newspaper with the next day's activities you don't     want to miss.

* Bring a post-em pad if you wish to leave a note on someone's cabin door. Of course you can also pick up the phone (just like a hotel) and leave a message on their voice mail.  Check yours too!

* I probably said this somewhere else, the doors & walls are metal, so you can decorate your door with a favorite magnet if you wish.

* Remember to check into your flight 24 hours before departure.  Arrive 3 hours prior to flight.
* Land Tour: Activate your RED Horizon FeXco card to easily claim your VAT tax refunds.
* Make a copy of your passports & store separate from your passports, but not in checked bags.
* Place your name & phone number in your luggage. A copy of the land itinerary is good also.

UPDATE: I checked us in at 8pm last night. Lufthansa does not allow a choice for printing boarding passes.  My info went straight to my email where I have a MOBILE boarding pass.  Should this happen to you, don't fear, you can always get a paper copy when you check in your luggage.

* Put a dryer sheet (or two) in your suitcase to keep it fresh smelling. Also good to rub on your skin if you encounter static electricity.

* On the cruise, your ship's card is your door key, and your charge card. So if you don't regularly have a pocket, or wish to carry a wristlet, a lanyard is a good option.  If it doesn't have the plastic holder, the guest services desk will punch your card so you can attach it to the lanyard clasp.

* An RFID credit card protector/pouch/wallet will stop anyone from scanning your credit card information.  AAA Travel has these at their locations, also on Amazon. 

* Since we are using Euros and Pounds, take along TWO coin purses or zipped pouches to keep the coins separate and easy to find.

* Do you still use a quart baggie for your 3-1-1 liquids?  Found this on Pinterest and ordered pack of 2 for hubby & me.  Delivers overnight.  We love them. Make sure the color you choose is in stock for overnight delivery. 2pcs/pack Lermende Clear Toiletry Bag TSA Approved Travel Carry On Airport Airline Compliant Bag Quart Sized 3-1-1 Kit Luggage Pouch

* A repeat from below: an eye-mask to block light, and earplugs to block sound will help you sleep better on the plane. A neck pillow can be snapped onto the outside of your carry-on luggage (look for this feature before you buy the neck pillow) and this cures the bobbing head that can wake you from getting a good rest.

* Immigration in Dublin MAY take up to 45 minutes.  

*This you probably already know, but bears repeating: don't walk to the plane's restroom in stocking feet, no matter how tired you are.  Not everyone has a good aim.

* On the sanitary note, do take wipes to swab your seat handles, seat tray, and bathroom handles as many germs are waiting for you there.

New tips and FAQ here in Red:   May week 1

Travel tips in flight:  

• Go ahead and look at your airlines website.  Add their app to your phone and enter your Record Locator.  Once you are registered with them, the airline will send you updates on delays, arrivals, etc.  You may wish to request a wheelchair assistance to the gate, or a special dinner.  I choose "Low Salt" as salt does make your feet swell, even with compression socks!
• Don't forget to check in online for your flight 24 hours before departure.  I've put my check-in time on my phone calendar.
• Here's a great app for in-flight relaxation or noise interference from engine and cabin noise. The app is free and is called Relax Melodies. Available for Android and iphone. Don't forget your personal earbuds or headphones.

• PLUG ADAPTOR: Yes, you will need one for Ireland.  No, not needed on the ship.
• This is the one I recommend at Amazon, as it is a multi-function adaptor, including USB ports..  Comes in blue or electric green, also black.  But you'll probably overlook the black one on the dresser or nightstand, whereas these colors pop and you are more likely NOT to leave it in a hotel room. About $20, or less if you have Prime for free shipping.

• CONVERTER > You will need a converter for any appliance or tool that is not dual 110/220 voltage.  Examples are laptops, curling iron, iron, tea kettle, etc. The one I show here from Amazon is $43.95.  It has a switch to change between Converter, or to Adapter.
• ·         Travel Adapter And Converter Combo. 220V to 110V Converter Step Down The Voltage For U.S. Electric Products like Hair Dryer, Steam Iron, Kettle etc. This Voltage Converter Max 2000 Watts.
  ·         Adapter Mode With 2 Fast Charging USB Ports For DUAL-VOLTAGE (110-220V or 100-240V) devices Such As Laptop, MacBook, Cellphone, Camera. Dual Voltage Appliance/Device Must Use The Adapter Mode.
  ·         Easy To Use, All In One Travel Adapter And Converter Combo (UK/US/AU/Euanpe) That Fits Electrical Outlets In Most Commonly Visited Countries, Over 150 Countries Like Europe, Argentina, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Fiji, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Mongolia, India, Indonesia, Middle East, South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, etc.
  ·         BONAZZA 2000Watts 220V to 110V Travel Converter And Universal Plug Adapter With 2 Fast Charging USB All In One Combo Weight Only 0.42Lb. Compact Small Size Is 2.9 x 2.3 x 2 inches.
  ·         Please Read The Introduction And Description Carefully Before Using This Travel Adapter And Converter Combo. Please Contact US If You Are Unsure Whether An Appliance Can Be Used With Or Not. Unconditional lifetime warranty without any other costs needed. Our Support Is 7*24 Online Support Standing By.

• BATHROBES > Cannot guarantee bathrobes in the hotel rooms on the land tour.
• YES, there are bathrobes in your ship's cabin. If not in your cabin, then ask your cabin attendant for them (2).
• HAIR DRYERS > Hotels will have hair dryers as will the cruise cabins.
• IRONING BOARDS & IRON > Hotels will have these in your room.
• Self-service laundromat on the ship, including ironing board & iron in public space only
• USB PORTS > NO, I do not expect USB ports on the cruise (nor on the motorcoach). The Crown Princess is due for its Wifi and electrical updates in July.



Power bank backup charger lipstick size.



Power bank backup charger, smaller than your palm.

• Bring a portable charger for on the go charging.  There are many types: compare how many charges you get from one fully charged device. Be sure you purchase the right kind for your phone: Apple or Android OR get one with a USB port that will plug to any phone charger connector that has a USB.
• I found a double USB port silver charger similar to the one on the left at Walgreens under $20.  Silver for Grant, Rose Gold for me.
• CELL PHONES > Be sure to download WhatsApp as this will be our primary communication in Ireland and ashore on the cruise.  When on Wifi (HOTELS, CAFES, BUS) FREE text, calls, video conferencing between phone (owners) with this app.  Both parties must have WhatsApp loaded to work.  The App will automatically find the numbers in your address book that have WhatsApp.  
• Do put my name and cell in your Address Book.  TEST messages start NEXT week!!
• Karen Ondayko 352-552-8066
• Grant Leber 352-552-6019
•  Check with your Cell Phone provider for your overseas roaming charges and any other fees.  Some phones need an additional SIM card, others do not. My phone is a Samsung 9s and it is international ready through Verizon. So I only have a daily fee (about $6) if I want to use my phone + any data charges.  I never plan to use it except on WHATSAPP mode.
•  As soon as I get on the plane, I turn my phone on Airplane Mode. This STOPS any data charges from occurring.  If you forget, you MAY have a tremendous bill unless you have unlimited data (even in foreign countries?)
•  CREDIT CARDS > Most commonly accepted are Master Card and Visa
• Be sure your card has No Foreign Transaction Fees
• If a store asks, "do you wish me to convert to your currency for you" SAY NO. 
• Protect your card's electronic information by inserting your credit cards in a RIFD card holder, sleeve, or wallet. 
• US Dollars are NOT accepted anywhere and it is illegal for a merchant to accept them. See post before this one about EUROs and POUNDs.
• Notify your bank or credit card issuer of your foreign travel plans and dates, so your card is NOT denied while you are traveling.
• DRESSY DINNERS > YES, a sports coat and jacket is appropriate men's attire for formal night on ship or dressy dinners on land.
• MOTION SICKNESS > I recommend chewable non-drowsy dramamine. We will have one hilly stretch with hairpin turns on the way to Dingle Peninsula and they are always good for the airplane or the ship as well.  Pack them in your carry-on/daybag.
• TIME CHANGE/JETLAG > I recommend non-prescription drug-free Melatonin taken as you board your overnight flight to Ireland.  Then as needed before bed to assist you with jetlag.  This is a life-changer for me.
• COMPRESSION SOCKS > Vital for good circulation and to reduce swelling in the high pressure cabin environment on flights. Use at minimum a medium compression. You may wish to layer some footies for extra warmth when you remove your shoes to sleep overnight. And make sure your shoes are easy to slip on for trips to the bathroom. You should be drinking fluids & walking about during the flight.
• HYDRATION > If you are on an 8 hour flight, do try to drink 8 glasses of non-alcoholic beverages.  Staying hydrated will help you when you land. Your body will thank you.
• OVERNIGHT SLEEPING > Consider noise cancelling earbuds and an eye-mask to help create best sleeping environment.  A neck pillow can be snapped onto your carry-on luggage and will be a helpful aid in Economy seating.
• AIRLINE APP > Load your airline app PRIOR to boarding. Your entertainment options may be enhanced via the app. You will also receive prompt messages of any gate changes, and some even give you your luggage location along the way.