Packing for the Cruise

OK, not 2 BIG suitcases – 4 BIG suitcases, 2 large duffle bags, 2 medium duffle bags, 2 boxes, 1 rollaboard, and 2 backpacks.

Oceania arranged for a company called LuggageForward to pick up 4 bags a week before the trip, so the remainder was on us to get to the ship. This allowed us to pack most of our clothing and sundries in the first packing round. Then the clothing we didn’t want folded/crushed for a week (suit jackets, dresses, etc.) would go in the second round along with electronics and other stuff we need to keep close.

Advance Luggage Awaiting LuggageForward Pick Up

Another whirl we put on the trip was a decision a week before the trip to not take the flight Oceania was providing from Orlando to Miami, and instead to rent a car and drive to Miami. This eliminated potential exposure to COVID-19 in the airport and on the plane.

About this same time we placed an order for 4 cases of wine to be delivered to the ship, and worked with Total Wine & More, Oceania Cruises, and SMS International Shore Services to orchestrate the delivery. Long story short, the wine never arrived. Total Wine says they delivered it. SMS says it never arrived.