Paul: I saw a segment on the Discovery channel (or maybe one of its competitors). One of the clips showed people passing through airport style checkpoints complete with x-ray machines and metal detectors. They also showed a deep water harbor in Florida that is designed for the exclusive use of cruise ships. The security cameras and sensors used by the coast guard was amazing. I don't think you could sail a paint can in there without being detected and pinpointed within a foot.

Gear wise, don't forget the sunscreen and the wide brimmed hat for the southern lattitudes. Us northerners tend to get ourselves well baked under that southern sun. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BTW: If you don't mind my asking, what cruise line did you choose? The NY-FL-Bahamas route sounds like a good one since you don't have to fly to FL first.

Chris