As you probably saw, the BOD sent us an email over the weekend with the conference schedule and important details. Here, I summarize the email and add a few tips and tricks from fellow TXPSA members and avid cruisers. The Texas Pet Sitters 10th Annual Conference sets sail next week and we need to be prepared! If you missed our last blog about the cruise, you can find it here.

Before Cruise To-Do List

Following are pertinent reminders shared by the BOD in their latest communication:

Check-in for the Cruise

Have you “Checked In” on the Royal Caribbean website? Don’t let this ship sail without you!

Port Parking

Stormy is offering a discount with Galveston Port Parking for those of you who aren’t staying at the group hotel at least the night before we set sail. If you want to reserve port parking, contact Stormy directly via email to TheGallivantingGuru@gmail.com. She will get the info she needs to get parking booked for you.

Parking and shuttle service are available for those staying at the group hotel the night before we depart. It is not included in the cost of the room, but it is discounted. Learn more here.

Packing List

Oh boy! The weather is nuts all around the US, and here we are, prepping for a beach adventure. Lucky us! While we won’t know exactly what the weather will bring next week, we can expect warm days and cooler nights; therefore, plan to bring layers as needed.

In addition, here are some items that seasoned cruisers bring along for convenience. These are, by no means, a requirement. They are simply suggestions from those who have cruised and found them helpful.

• Pen/Paper – especially for conference days
• Hand soap for those who are picky about the soap they use to wash their hands – the cruise will provide a small bar of soap
• Travel-size toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, bath wash, etc. if you have preferences – the cruise line provides shampoo and body wash in the shower
• Large trash bags for dirty clothes (some people take a collapsable hamper, but that might be more bulk than it’s worth)
• OTC meds – Imodium, Motrin, Tums, throat drops, Dramamine or Bonine for motion sickness
• Clorox wipes or similar to wipe down remote and light fixtures if you’re a germaphobe like me
• Shout wipes to remove stains from clothing
• Downy wrinkle release because ironing is a no-go on the cruise ship
• Mini first aid kit
• Sewing kit and/or safety pins for wardrobe malfunctions
• Sunscreen – must be reef-safe in Mexico
• Sandwich zip lock bags and gallon zip lock bags for various items including wet bathing suits and keeping travel documents from getting wet or damaged
• Binder clips for documents, to shut curtains, to use with clothes hangers, and to weigh down shower curtains
• Extra hangers if you don’t want to wait on an attendant to bring you more for your cabin – they sell some cool portable hangers on Amazon
• A magnet clip or two to hang up daily schedule in cabin
• Magnetic hooks to hang bags and other items around the cabin
• Ear plugs for those sensitive to engine noise
• Chips, candies, and chocolate bars are expensive on the ship, so bring some if you’ll miss them
• Electrolyte packets for hydrating and in case of stomach upset
• Refillable water bottle
• Reusable straws if paper straws bother you
• A lanyard for your ship card to wear while on the ship
• Towel bands or clips to secure your towel to the pool loungers and chairs

Conference Schedule

If you are the type who likes to know exactly what to expect from each day, download the PDF or JPG version of the conference agenda before you head out. Physical copies will not be available. You can save them to your phone or print them before you head out.

Because we start early on conference days, you might want to have complimentary coffee and continental breakfast delivered to your cabin daily. From my understanding, you can order by leaving an order form on your cabin door the day/night prior. And, it’s this type of breakfast is complimentary, which saves us a trip to the buffet before our conference days begin.

Support Our Sponsors

As always the Texas Pet Sitters Association relies on the generosity of sponsors to make this all possible. The BOD encourages attendees to support our sponsors as much as possible. These loyal sponsors have organizations to support and choose ours because they believe in what we do.

Last Minute Details & Reminders from the BOD

Remember to switch to Airplane mode before we leave port, or you might incur roaming charges. Also, note that cell phone carriers have special plans for Mexico, so check with your provider if you want to be connected while in Cozumel. 

Wifi will not be provided during conference sessions. Consider an internet plan for the cruise dates if you’re planning on staying connected while we sale.

If you still have questions, contact the BOD with conference-specific queries and Stormy with your last-minute cruise questions.

I can’t wait to see you all there! I am counting down the minutes, are you?!