Another Step Closer

I'm so excited. We have checked off a huge event in the planning of our cruise. Jerry and I applied for our passports. Now, I know that we don't NEED a passport to travel on the cruise, but it's good to have one. So, we just went along and applied. I understand that if you travel out of the country, if something happens, you need one to return back to the country. We're definitely trusting that there won't be a need, but it's good to be prepared. Additionally, we hope to be traveling abroad again in the next few years. The passport is good for 10 years before it expires, so getting it now will be one less thing we'll have to do when we travel again (hopefully to Africa). We'll just have to get a Visa.
Here is a direct link to the U.S. Department of State with instructions and the application process for your passport. Click here.
Just a bit of advice. Get your documents in order first. I have my own birth certificate (certified copy with raised seal), but we never had Jerry's. So, I applied for a copy from Louisiana. Since we no longer live there, I couldn't just go to get it in person. I had to request it online, and that is done through VitalCheck. You can order from any state. Request it in a timely fashion because the passport process is currently very slow. You want to receive your passport in plenty of enough time ahead of your travel in case there are errors. We ordered yesterday (April 14th) and was told that we should receive the document in July. We are traveling in October. It is also sort of pricy, in my opinion. The passport cost for each is $130.00, but then there are additional fees. We paid an additional $50 each for the post office fee (the P.O. is the agency that has to process the application and documents and they send it to the State department. You can no longer mail the information yourself). That was for their fee, and we decided to have them take the passport picture. You may have a picture taken anywhere such as Walgreens, or even yourself (perhaps). But we chose the post office for convenience, and for accuracy. There are certain guidelines to be followed. I just wanted everything to be right. You also much be prepared to pay the $130.00 ($260.00 for us) via money order or cashier's check form. They do not accept credit cards. I missed that requirement and had to come up with cash (I ended up withdrawing a cash advanced against my credit card from the ATM and withdrawing from my debit card). I purchased the money order from the post office, but it could only be paid by cash (not a credit card). These are just "little" (but huge) things that are important.
Oh, we also had to make an appointment for the post office. There are (in my opinion) limited places where you can go to do this. The closest post office that handle the passports was in another city from us. We had to schedule with the PO in Jackson. I'm assuming this was their main PO. However, we learned that Jackson City Hall also does the passports and they accept walk-ins. No appointment necessary. Just check your options to plan where you're going. Well, Jerry and I had fun going through that process. He's so excited, as am I. But I'm more excited seeing him so excited! Here we are at the passport office. In my next entry, I will be sharing links of informative and fun videos that Jerry and I are enjoying about cruising. Bon Voyage!

Cruise Early Preparation

As I'm sharing our process of preparing for our first ever cruise, this is where we are this week.
1. We selected the date, cruise line/ship, port of embarkation, and destination. We will be sailing for my birthday and our anniversary. Will be visiting Cozumel.
2. We booked the cruise with our deposit.
3. I ordered our birth certificates. Must have certified official copies.
4. Although not required, I am still going to order passports for us once the birth certificates arrive. They're coming from two different states, so they may arrive at different times. Ordering the passports as soon as possible because the process is slow and I want them to arrive way ahead of sail time.
5. Of course I've begun shopping (smile). I'm a visual person, so I'm writing a list of the things I know I want/must bring. I can't rely on my memory. I also want everything to go smoothly and not be rushed. I like to have things together in advance. Items and clothing have begun arriving. I've also been getting small things from the store with normal shopping.
6. Continuing to engage in online cruising groups, reading blogs, and watching videos. This helps a lot.
Feel free to connect with me and/or ask any questions, particularly if you're a first time cruiser. I want to be for others what I need for myself. I enjoy being helpful.
See you soon!

Perusing and Researching

I will be sharing information and links that I find. I'm a creature of preparation by nature and I do a lot of research for things I'm interested in. I ask a lot of questions. I like to SEE what I'm getting into. It's helpful for me. Hopefully, it will be to you as well. I'm including a short video I found by the Johnson Krew. It's wonderful. Here they share their experience in Cozumel. This is the port we're going to as well, so it's good to see it in action.