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Just the Basics

Flights must come into Miami, FL (airport code: MIA) or Ft. Lauderdale, FL (airport code: FLL)
Transfers rates $20 - $29.95 pp each way
Book Royal Caribbean’s Airfare

Air2Sea:
If you'd like to choose your routing schedule, you can choose to book "Air2Sea". These rates are subject to change until locked in. Transfers are not included in the price but can be added. Royal Caribbean offers both refundable and non-refundable fares. If you select a refundable fare, payment can be made later, with your final payment. Non-refundable fares must be paid in full at the time of booking. Flights are customizable and you can choose to book Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class or First Class.

To book your own Air2Sea reservation, go to https://www.royalcaribbean.com/flights/bookFlights Check rates as often as you'd like and then when you are ready...go ahead and book. You will need your reservation number, Ship name (Freedom of the Seas) and sailing date (16FEB2026) in order to book. Once booked, Cruise & Crop will receive notification and we'll send you an updated confirmation.

Air2Sea is the only air booking site that Cruise & Crop recommends. For FAQs on Choice Air and their flight assurance policies, click here.

Travel Luggage Free

Traveling with too much luggage? Or maybe you don't want the hassle of handling your bags through the airports? Why not travel Luggage Free! Check-out our new luggage shipping partnership.

  • Guaranteed on-time delivery
  • Tracked and monitored daily
  • Insurance for peace of mind

Click here to get a quote and book.
Book your own air
Book the pre-cruise and/or post-cruise hotel through Cruise & Crop / Dream Vacations.

Royal Caribbean no longer offers hotel + transfer packages. Cruise & Crop is happy to help you find area hotels for your pre & post cruise stays. Transfers to/from the ship will not be included. You will need to use taxi/Uber/public transportation services to travel between the airport, hotel and ship.

To request a hotel quote - please complete this form and we'll get back with you shortly: Hotel Request Form

Hotel rates may be non-refundable and payment is usually due at the time of booking.
Book your own air and arrive on 2/16/26.
Book Royal Caribbean Transfers

If you book your own flights, flights must arrive at the Miami airport airport no later than 12:30 p.m. on 2/16/26 and leave no earlier than 11:30 a.m. on 2/21/26.  Round-trip transfers can be purchased for $40 pp.

Flights must arrive at the Ft. Lauderdale airport no later than 11:30 a.m. on 2/16/26 and leave no earlier than 12:30 p.m. on 2/21/26.  Round-trip transfers can be purchased for $59.90 pp.

The deadline to purchase transfers is 1/29/26.

NOTE:  If you do everything on your own and want to find your own transportation to the pier, please note that the Port of Miami is 30 miles (45 minutes) from the Fort Lauderdale airport; 10 miles (25 minutes) from the Miami International airport. Taxicabs are available at all cruise terminals on cruise days. Visit http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/directions-transportation.asp for a list of Shuttles, Taxis and Rental companies. Click here for Miami Airport information. Cruise & Crop does not operate or control in any respect the services provided by these companies, nor does it guarantee their performance.

Drive to the Pier

Parking Fees: $35/day for vehicles up to 20 feet in length
The total fee for the time the vehicle will be parked is due on entry. They accept cash, Visa and Mastercard. Debit cards are not accepted.

Directions to the pier:
http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/parking-transportation.asp

Port Of Miami
Terminal A
1015 N. America Way
Miami, Florida 33132

SHORE EXCURSIONS
Shore excursions are available to be booked. You can go to Royal Caribbean's Website and click "Manage My Cruise". Excursions can be reserved online up to 4 days before your sail date. You can also book excursions via the Royal Caribbean App on your Smartphone. Crafting activities will not interfere with your days in port - so feel free to go and explore at each stop.

Save on Excursions
Book shore excursions for less on Dream Vacations' website! Go to http://www.DreamVacations.com/cthomas Click "Tours/Excursions" at the very top of the page. Be sure to book them at least 15 days prior to sailing to avoid an expedite fee! For a direct link, Click Here.

Book a tour with Viator.com. They have a massive list of excursions. It will be your responsibility to check the departure and arrival times and make sure they fit within the time your ship is in port. We recommend a tour start time of at least 1 hour AFTER arrival. Tours should return to the ship at least 1 hour before your ship is schedule to leave. For a direct link, Click Here.

Enjoy a local Resort for the day, Click Here.

Coming into town early or staying a few extra days? Click Here for some tour options.

class schedule
The schedule is subject to change. All seminars will take place on deck 15, forward, in the Conference Room/Chapel. Be sure to use the forward stairs/elevator to access this room.

January 28, 2025, 7:30 p.m. EST - Pre-cruise Prep Session (Via Zoom)

Monday, February 16: Group Photo & Introductions – Solarium Bar, Deck 11, Forward

  • 4:30 to 5:30 pm – We’d love to meet you as we leave port. We’ll join you for dinner at 5:30 pm and get our group photo with you.
  • Please note: Our schedule is somewhat flexible based on our group’s needs.

Tuesday February 17: Photo Walk – Coco Cay – Be sure to bring your phone or camera so that you can take photos!

  • 8 to 9 am – We’ll eat at breakfast together if you’d like to join us. *Windjammer Buffet on deck 11.
  • 9 to 10 am - Meet us on the dock just outside of ship’s exit and we’ll walk together and get photo tips from Krista as we enjoy the weather, nature, views and more with great photo taking opportunities
  • From there on, enjoy your day in Coca Cay and we’ll see you on Wednesday

Wednesday February 18: Building the Foundation (Print + Digital Basics)

9:00 – 9:30
From Overwhelmed to Organized: Get a System
Set the big-picture framework so everything else makes sense. (Deep breath—there is a plan.)

9:30 – 10:15
Scanning, Labeling & Storing Your Print Photo Collection
What to scan, how to label it, and where it should live so it doesn't wander off again.

10:15 – 10:25
☕ Break (stretch, blink, refill coffee)

10:25 – 11:05
Digital Photo Chaos – Can Be Solved!
Yes, even that folder. Especially that folder.

11:05 – 11:40
A Look at Cloud Storage, Hard Drives & Backup Systems
What does what, what you actually need, and what’s just marketing noise.

11:40 – 12:00
Workshop Time
Start applying what you learned while questions are fresh and answers are flying.

Thursday, February 19: Stories, Tools & Long-Term Habits

9:00 – 9:30
Naming, Tagging & Saving the Story
Because “IMG_4839_FINAL_FINAL2” tells no one anything.

9:30 – 10:00
The Legacy Album: How to Prepare Photos for Future Generations
Turn photos into something meaningful, not mysterious.

10:00 – 10:10
☕ Break (hydration check—you’re doing great)

10:10 – 10:40
Tech Tools We Trust: The Best Apps & Services for Photo Organizing
Tools that help… not tools that require a manual and a nap.

10:40 – 11:00
Phone Full of Photos? The Best Habit to Start Today!
Small habit. Huge payoff. No perfection required.

11:00 – 12:00
Extended Workshop Time
Work on your photos with live support, questions answered in real time, and momentum that actually sticks.

Friday February 20: Photo Walk – Nassau – Be sure to bring your phone or camera so that you can take photos!

  • 8 to 9 am – We’ll eat at breakfast together if you’d like to join us. *Windjammer Buffet on deck 11.
  • 9 to 10 am - Meet us on the dock just outside of ship’s exit and we’ll walk together and get photo tips from Krista as we enjoy the weather, nature, views and more with great photo taking opportunities
Connect with us on Facebook.....via our Events Link.
Chat with your fellow cruisers about your upcoming trip. Go Here.

travel insurance
If you have not already purchased travel insurance, we recommend that you do. Insurance covers you in case you had to cancel due to a medical reason or death in the family. It also covers your baggage, emergency evacuation and more.

You can find a document of coverage by clicking here.

What you'll need...

...Personal Packing List

  • Proof of Citizenship
    • Option #1: *RECOMMENDED* Passport (valid at least 6 months after you return) & a drivers license
    • Option #2: A CERTIFIED birth certificate with a raised seal + a government issued photo ID such as a drivers license {plus, a bridging document if the name on your drivers license and birth certificate do not match - such as a marriage license}
    • Non US Citizens are required to have a passport.
  • e-Docs & Set Sail Pass, luggage tags, Transfer/Hotel Vouchers
  • Shore Excursion Tickets (if you booked your excursions through Dream Vacations/Shore Excursions Group)
  • Casual clothes for during the day
  • 1 Semi-Formal, 1 Smart Casual & 3 Nice Casual outfits for dinner
  • A light jacket in case the meeting room is chilly
  • Work-out clothes
  • Bathing suit, cover up & sunscreen
  • Charging cables (for phones, laptops, tablets, etc)
  • Camera & extra batteries
  • Pajamas
  • Toiletries (hair-dryer, soap and shampoo are provided)
  • Tennis shoes & flip-flops
  • Lighted alarm clock (or you can use the Wake-up call system)
  • Royal Caribbean allows you to bring 2 bottles of wine (750 mL) per stateroom onboard on embarkation day; subject to corkage fees. Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.  These must be CARRIED on! If you put them in your checked luggage, your suitcases will be held in security.

...Conference Packing List

Please note: All items listed are optional. However, you’ll get the most out of the classes and workshop if you bring your phone and a laptop computer.

Recommended Devices

  • Smartphone (fully charged)
  • Laptop Computer
  • Camera (optional, if you use one regularly)

Power & Accessories

  • Power cables/chargers for all devices
    (Because nothing stops productivity like 2% battery.)

Notes & Organization

  • Notebook & pen for notes, ideas, and “aha” moments

Internet Access

  • Wi-Fi (optional)
    Please sign up through the Royal Caribbean App if you’d like internet access.
    Important note: Do not rely on Wi-Fi to download or upload large numbers of photos. We’ll focus on systems, habits, and hands-on work that don’t require heavy internet use.

don't forget to download and create your cruise & Crop passport before you go. Go here for more information.