Cruise question
AmberJslimsAWAY
Posts: 2,339 Member
in Chit-Chat
I need info on cruises, Info you wish you had when you went on your first, tips, suggestions. ANYTHING!
I might be going on a cruise in Septemeber. I've never been on one before, and I'm one to plan and prep like no other and then forget everything I should have done. haha
I guess there wasn't really a question... sorry
Edit: Going to Eastern Caribbean
I might be going on a cruise in Septemeber. I've never been on one before, and I'm one to plan and prep like no other and then forget everything I should have done. haha
I guess there wasn't really a question... sorry
Edit: Going to Eastern Caribbean
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Replies
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I have never been on a cruise. But lock your toothbrush in your safe with your other valuables when you leave your room.
-wtk0 -
Well, alot of it depends on where you are going.
Carribian?
Europe?
Alaska?0 -
Well, alot of it depends on where you are going.
Carribian?
Europe?
Alaska?
Caribbean0 -
I have never been on a cruise. But lock your toothbrush in your safe with your other valuables when you leave your room.
-wtk
Definitely do this0 -
I have never been on a cruise. But lock your toothbrush in your safe with your other valuables when you leave your room.
-wtk
why is that?0 -
Bikinis, shorts, linen pants, tank tops, flow-ish dresses, wedges, short sleeve tees, something semi-formal for the Captain's dinner and if you want to dress up a little more for the clubs inside the boat or while you're docked, and a lot of sunscreen!
I've been on a few cruises to the Caribbean and every single time I've gone, I've lived in my bikinis, shorts, linen pants and flip flops. And mostly drunk. :laugh: I don't think I even took a lot of jewelry or make-up.0 -
I have never been on a cruise. But lock your toothbrush in your safe with your other valuables when you leave your room.
-wtk
why is that?
Cleaners get bored0 -
Aside from what we discussed - leave a little tip for the cleaning staff. You'll get lots of extras!0
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I have never been on a cruise. But lock your toothbrush in your safe with your other valuables when you leave your room.
-wtk
why is that?
Cleaners get bored
Seriously? this is a problem on cruise ships?? wow...0 -
Bikinis, shorts, linen pants, tank tops, flow-ish dresses, wedges, short sleeve tees, something semi-formal for the Captain's dinner and if you want to dress up a little more for the clubs inside the boat or while you're docked, and a lot of sunscreen!
I've been on a few cruises to the Caribbean and every single time I've gone, I've lived in my bikinis, shorts, linen pants and flip flops. And mostly drunk. :laugh: I don't think I even took a lot of jewelry or make-up.
lol Guess I need to go cruise shoppin!0 -
Remember, September is still pretty hot down here.
I would imagine you are hitting the Bahamas?
Passport is obvious.
Forget the fancy jewelry or even a ton of makeup.
Flip flops and shorts/bikini/sundress is the order of the day.
Something a bit nicer for the night life but, remember, you ARE on "island time".
If you bring a purse, bring something with a strap to hopefully avoid theft.0 -
Remember, September is still pretty hot down here.
I would imagine you are hitting the Bahamas?
Passport is obvious.
Forget the fancy jewelry or even a ton of makeup.
Flip flops and shorts/bikini/sundress is the order of the day.
Something a bit nicer for the night life but, remember, you ARE on "island time".
If you bring a purse, bring something with a strap to hopefully avoid theft.
thanks0 -
Bikinis, shorts, linen pants, tank tops, flow-ish dresses, wedges, short sleeve tees, something semi-formal for the Captain's dinner and if you want to dress up a little more for the clubs inside the boat or while you're docked, and a lot of sunscreen!
I've been on a few cruises to the Caribbean and every single time I've gone, I've lived in my bikinis, shorts, linen pants and flip flops. And mostly drunk. :laugh: I don't think I even took a lot of jewelry or make-up.
lol Guess I need to go cruise shoppin!
You can get super cute bikinis and cheap flip flops @ Old Navy since they're starting all their summer sales! And VS has some really nice beach stuff but they're a little more expensive. Either way, you're going to have a blast! If it wasn't for pictures, I would've never remembered what happened on the ones I went on :laugh:0 -
Bikinis, shorts, linen pants, tank tops, flow-ish dresses, wedges, short sleeve tees, something semi-formal for the Captain's dinner and if you want to dress up a little more for the clubs inside the boat or while you're docked, and a lot of sunscreen!
I've been on a few cruises to the Caribbean and every single time I've gone, I've lived in my bikinis, shorts, linen pants and flip flops. And mostly drunk. :laugh: I don't think I even took a lot of jewelry or make-up.
lol Guess I need to go cruise shoppin!
You can get super cute bikinis and cheap flip flops @ Old Navy since they're starting all their summer sales! And VS has some really nice beach stuff but they're a little more expensive. Either way, you're going to have a blast! If it wasn't for pictures, I would've never remembered what happened on the ones I went on :laugh:
I'm sure there will be a bazillion pictures! I'm kind of a picture *kitten*! Thanks for the ON idea. I'll go there when everything goes on Sale and stock up!!! Might be able to catch VS sales too0 -
Bump! I'd love to hear from as many people as possible0
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Experienced cruiser & planner here, hit me up with specifics if you need to. I've cruised with RCCL (Royal Caribbean) the most and really like the line.
Eat in the main dining room. It's 5-star service & food every night. Plus, it's cleaner that hitting the buffet and the food is healthier. You can usually breakfast to order every morning too.
If you like wine, buy a wine package, it's really nice to have a good wine with a great meal. It's cheaper than buying
If you to hit the bars/clubs, check them all out in the first day or two, find one that fits you, sit at the bar. The bartenders are a lot of fun usually if it's not crazy busy. Get to know them, they'll remember your preferences and make suggestions if you want.
Eat at the early seating or an early time if there is not seating schedules. Spend the rest of the evening enjoying the ship other activities. The shows in the showroom usually coincide with the early/late seating times so you want miss the show if you want to see it.
Skip the "Shopping Workshop" it's just them promoting partner shops.
If you have a day at sea, check out the usually awesome list of activities run by the ships professionals (chefs, dancers etc)
Definitely have a passport, even if not required. Keep it with you in the ports.
Don't overpack, it's easy to do. One really nice outfit for night. Aside from swim/beach wear, just few other things are all you'll need.
Book shore excursions ahead of time with the website, some fill up very quickly.
Never heard about the toothbrush thing. But I do keep mine tossed in my toiletries bag so it's not just laying around.
Planning?
I had a thin notebook with copies of EVERY piece of documentation & confirmations for reservations & transportation, along with a photocopy of passport & driver's license organized by day. Also in this, I put information about the port we'll be in along with things I wanted to see/do etc.
That's all I can think of so far.
JM0 -
Seriously? this is a problem on cruise ships?? wow...
No, this is not a problem on cruise ships anymore than waiters spitting in your food is a problem at restaurants. If you are really a jerk to the staff, sure, someone might mess with you, but this is just stupid. Some questions for you to get more information:
1) Where are you departing from? Will you have to fly to get there?
2) Have you been on boats before? Do you know if you get seasick?
3) How many nights is your cruise?
My wife and I love cruising. (We are going on two this year alone!) I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.0 -
Do you get motion sick? Do you think you might? Take some Ginger Gum (found at CVS in the Dramamine section) with you to help keep that at bay.
Or if you can't find the gum, check a health store for ginger capsules.0 -
BE PREPARED TO COME HOME WITH WEIGHT GAIN!
I've been on 3 cruises in the past 2 years and I love them. The food is the best part and it's a great opprotunity to try new things, but keep in mind you will gain weight. There is such a variety of foods they offer that it will be impossible to live off just the healthy stuff the whole time.
Also, make sure you drink plenty of water. You will be out in the sun 90% of the time and it's very easy to forget your water when you're having fun.
If you're planning to drink there are some good ways to sneak alochol on board so you don't spend so much on the ship. (you can meeage me for that lol) Obviously if you're flying to your port you can't do this.
To make packing easier, I ususally pack enough clothes for half the trip and use the on-board laundry and wash my clothes halfway through.
Make sure you have enough things in your carry-on for a 24 hours period (including a change of clothes). Sometimes it takes the staff a little while to get your bags to your room and you don't want to be without anything important.
Meet your housekeepers and tip them a little extra right away. This will insure that they will get you anything you need before you even need to ask for it and your room will always be clean.
If you're doing excursions, I would suggest you find a private group on the island instead of booking through the ship. The ship will discourage this and say theres a chance you won't get back in time, blah blah. But it's really because the ship wants you money and they charge a lot more than the private groups! The private groups make their money on cruisers and they will make sure you get back to your ship on time!
Like i said, I've been on three, so I have a ton of suggestions and tips. Feel free to message me with any questions you have. It's a great experience and you will be hooked after your first one.0 -
I recommend Royal Caribbean over the rest, but then I'm 50 something and don't have any kids to take with. If you're looking for a more "swinging" time, then I recommend Carnival. If you want to see old men in orthopedic socks, then Norwegian Cruise Lines is for you.
RC is probably the most family friendly we've been on. Carnival was too loud, too late, and too young for our tastes. Hehehe.
Be prepared to use the spa and the gym facilities, because the food on most of these lines is really tasty and available 24/7. We would eat a good breakfast and then walk 5 or 6 laps around the deck in the sea breeze.
You will need a passport, and the room service guy will be expecting a $100 to $125 gratuity at the end of the week...most lines will just add that to your bill so you better ask first. Most lines sell a soft drink card for about $40 or so...all you can drink during the cruise excluding booze and beer. The booze and beer is WAY expensive in my opinion. A lot of people smuggle booze on the ship in plastic bottles hidden in their luggage. If you are a drinker...do not forget to hit the duty free liquor store before you leave...you can take 4 quarts of untaxed booze through customs back home.
IF you leave the ship while stopped in the Bahamas, you better keep $20 in cash with you so you can get back on the boat. Bahamian customs charges a $20 (maybe more now) exit fee.
Some of the best vacations we have ever had, was on a cruise ship. Don't go alone or you pay double for the room.0 -
Eat in the main dining room. It's 5-star service & food every night. Plus, it's cleaner that hitting the buffet and the food is healthier. You can usually breakfast to order every morning too.
Agreed. On Royal Caribbean, at least, the food is phenomenal. If you want to splurge a night or two at a specialty restaurant, you get great food for a cheap price, but the main dining hall is awesome.If you like wine, buy a wine package, it's really nice to have a good wine with a great meal. It's cheaper than buying
This really depends on how much wine you drink. It's not worth it unless you're drinking it pretty much every day.If you to hit the bars/clubs, check them all out in the first day or two, find one that fits you, sit at the bar. The bartenders are a lot of fun usually if it's not crazy busy. Get to know them, they'll remember your preferences and make suggestions if you want.
Yep, the bartenders are generally awesome people and a lot of fun.Eat at the early seating or an early time if there is not seating schedules. Spend the rest of the evening enjoying the ship other activities. The shows in the showroom usually coincide with the early/late seating times so you want miss the show if you want to see it.
I disagree here. We eat late seating every time. There are a lot less noisy kids. You don't have to worry about missing shows because they have one for each dinner seating. Take the late seating if you want a more adult atmosphere.Skip the "Shopping Workshop" it's just them promoting partner shops.
I cannot agree with this enough DO NOT GO TO THIS. All this person is going to do is try and get you to spend money you don't have. They will try and spin it as great deals, but it is really not worth it. You can find great bargains just walking around on your own and talking with locals.Definitely have a passport, even if not required. Keep it with you in the ports.
This is very important. Even if the cruise doesn't require it, get a passport and keep it on you when you are off the ship. Keep it in your safe when you are on board.Book shore excursions ahead of time with the website, some fill up very quickly.
Also very important. Don't wait until the last minute. Booking in advance also helps you know exactly how much you are spending.0 -
I don't want to bring it down, but these are my honest suggestions: bring soduku and books! If you're anything like me, you'll be crazy bored (but the first two days will be fun).
Enjoy the food, spend lots of time in the gym, and don't think for a minute that the ports you go to really represent the countries.0 -
Regarding posts about weight gain, that's really entirely up to you. I've gone on vacations and lost weight. The food is really good, yes, but pretty much every ship has a gym, and if you're off doing fun shore excursions, you'll generally be burning calories there as well (swimming, snorkeling, hiking, walking around town, etc). If you get up a little early every day and hit the gym hard for half an hour, you'll probably be set.0
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Take a clock and some kind of air freshner for the bathroom in your stateroom. If you have an interior room, you have no way to tell the time of day because you can't see the sun and my room didn't have an alarm clock of any kind plus my US cell phone didn't work/cost to much to use.0
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Wow!! Lots of info! Thanks everyone!0
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Enjoy the food, spend lots of time in the gym, and don't think for a minute that the ports you go to really represent the countries.
You have to get outside the "touristy" areas. Don't be afraid to try some local food & drinks too. We rented a car and drove to the French side of St Maarten and ate at an awesome local dive and got to see what way more stuff than being crammed.
Also, if you don't have any/much high-traffic motorcycle or scooter experience, DO NOT rent a scooter to get around. It's pretty dangerous.
JM0 -
Went on my first one last year August and going on another in Sept. Eastern Caribbean also. Love the first cruise, and planning just to hang out on the ship this time. Sunscreen, sea sick patches just in case,and favorite hang out clothes.. Have fun on your cruise.. oh which cruise line are going on0
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I've been on about 10 cruises....just got off one last week!! IMHO best vacations....very relaxing. Love it. If you have any specific questions send me a message.
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I need info on cruises, Info you wish you had when you went on your first, tips, suggestions. ANYTHING!
I might be going on a cruise in Septemeber. I've never been on one before, and I'm one to plan and prep like no other and then forget everything I should have done. haha
I guess there wasn't really a question... sorry
Edit: Going to Eastern Caribbean
Rumrunners or bust!0 -
Take a clock and some kind of air freshner for the bathroom in your stateroom. If you have an interior room, you have no way to tell the time of day because you can't see the sun and my room didn't have an alarm clock of any kind plus my US cell phone didn't work/cost to much to use.
I could not agree more here as well. We did an interior room once and probably won't again. It really is pitch dark, so you have no idea what time it is when you wake up. Also, no natural light throws off your sleep pattern. It's worth it if it's the best way you can afford to go, but just be sure to follow artbkward's advice and bring an alarm clock (maybe also a night light).0
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