The Captain’s Cocktail Party or Reception is another chance to dress, mix and mingle if you like. It is also completely optional. Dress is generally dark suits for men, and cocktail dresses for ladies.

It’s slippery on deck, so bring some good gripping shoes. Don’t try and break in a new pair of shoes on your vacation. Some excursions require a lot of walking, and so does getting around on ship.

Day wear is resort casual. No need to spend a fortune on clothes unless you want to. Some cruise lines provide bathrobes, or bring your own for poolside and dining in buffet.

If you get a sunburn, or if you want protection, bring along a light shirt with long sleeves.

Hot tubs often contain enough bromide to bleach out your bathing suit and also relax elastic. Bring an old suit, or an inexpensive one if you plan to sit in hot tub a lot.

LUGGAGE

Between airline, dock and ship, it’s unrealistic to assume nothing will happen to your luggage. Common sense would dictate buying most sturdy and least expensive baggage you can find, i.e., don’t give a crystal goblet to a toddler and then be “surprised” it gets broken.

PHOTOGRAPHS – AN UNDERUSED OPPORTUNITY

They want to sell photos! Photographers are operating nightly, with various backgrounds (including traditional), black and white as well as color. They are pleased to photograph you as many times, in as many ways, as you like. If you’re in need of a new professional head shot, bring along your suit.

HEALTH

You don’t have to gain 20 lbs. unless you want to. Cruises offer tracks, workout rooms, exercise programs, dancing, lite menus, low-calorie menu options, low-fat desserts, salad bars, and plenty of active excursions ashore, including just plain vigorous walking.

You can also do thing you do at home to effortlessly increase your activity level. Take stairs instnead of using elevators. Get up and get your own drinks. Offer to get people seconds at buffet. Volunteer to go back to room for forgotten items.

If you are married, especially if you have children, relationship becomes more than one investment. It becomes a complete portfolio. Identify and appreciate investments that bring in returns. Identify asset drains and find solutions. Don’t stick your head in sand and hope your portfolio will fix itself. Don’t wait until you lose all your assets. If you need help, get it.

6.START EARLY.

To build a successful relationship portfolio, begin to invest emotional capital immediately.

7.INVEST OFTEN.

Continue daily. Invest in relationship skills education. Make frequent emotional investments including affection, support, fun and laughter. Don’t just invest when market is up and things go well. Invest when market slips a bit, when relationship feels distant, or one of you experiences a bad day.

8. STICK WITH SOLID INVESTMENTS OVER THE LONG HAUL.

If you take time to choose a life partner wisely, your relationship portfolio should bring in returns and prove solid over long haul. You will choose a life partner who shares your values, hopes and dreams. You will not feel pressure to compromise your values or desires or spend hours fighting over deal-breakers.

9.WATCH YOUR PORTFOLIO AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS WHEN NEEDED.

Keep an eye on your portfolio and make adjustments when needed. 10.DON’T GET DISTRACTED BY NEW OPTIONS THAT PROMIST SHORT-TERM REWARDS.

Learn to weather ups and downs and stick with a good investment for long-term.

You lose vast amounts of emotional and financial capital when you do not choose wisely in first place.

You may not control markets. But you can manage your personal and financial investments. Apply these five rules and create a strong relationship portfolio that pays dividends in a “Bull Market” and in a “Bear Market.”