And finally. Lessons from our Celebrity X Reflection cruise…

Lesson 1: Airports can be your friend…
Not easy to relax, but if you can find a place to sleep or nap, then do so.
That being said, set an alarm or make certain that you wake in time to catch your flight.
Good sleep v missed flight = BIG STRESS

Lesson 2: Always use the local coins first.
You cannot exchange them once back home.
Although they might not but much, they can be put towards a coffee…
Or you could put them in here

Lesson 3:  Have comfortable shoes!
We did LOTS of walking both on and of the ship.
Fashion loses out to comfort.

Lesson 4: You can sleep in ANY position…

Lesson 5: If in doubt…ASK.
Except from this animated  information dispenser in Dubai Airport.
Scary.

Lesson 6: Not everything works.
Don’t stress, if you can’t fix it, leave it alone.
“Not my circus, not my monkeys” Polish proverb

Lesson 7: Always have a good book handy.

Lesson 8: As a photographer, chose your equipment carefully.
That extra lens is going have to be carried EVERYWHERE.
Ask yourself, “Is it really necessary”?
I keep taking a 70-300mm with me and never using it!
One day I will learn…

Lesson 9: Befriend the crew behind THIS counter.
They WILL become your best friends during the course of the cruise

Lesson 10: Be ready for the unexpected

Lesson 11: Sunsets at sea are VERY special and well worth watching

Lesson 12: Make the most of any situation.
You don’t have to understand the language, merely the context

Lesson 13: Keep an eye open for the unusual.
One red door? I wonder why.

Lesson 14: Crossing the road is easy if …
a] You look in the correct direction
b] You have help
c] There is safety in numbers.

Lesson 15: Always pack formal wear.
You don’t want to be invited to the Captains Table,
and be caught without the correct attire
( been there and done that )

Lesson 16: Sparkly “things” attract.
Men, be prepared to stand and wait…patiently!

Lesson 17: Enjoy the peace and serenity of an evening at sea.
We have decided that this is the only way to travel

Lesson 18: If only my interactions with “regular” folk was as pleasant.
Why can’t people in the on-shore service industry be as friendly?

Lesson 19: A coffee and a whip…
Does a man really need anything else?

Lesson 20: If you pack it…you carry it!
It is also an idea to “cross pack”.
Share the clothing in case one suitcase goes missing.
SIMPLE.