Cruise question

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Replies

  • ttaylor68913
    ttaylor68913 Posts: 320 Member
    Aside from what we discussed - leave a little tip for the cleaning staff. You'll get lots of extras!

    THIS!.. and if you think you might get woozy invest in an seaband (accupressure band for your arms that helps a ton.. I use mine to fly too) PLAY BINGO haha.. I won $1000 playing ( nearly crapped myself) treat yourself to the steak house (SOO worth it even just for the atmosphere)

    relax and enjoy
  • Jennicia
    Jennicia Posts: 409 Member
    Just got back from a carribean cruise about a month ago! THis is NO JOKE- WEAR SUNSCREEN! Nothing less then SPF 30- the sun is WAY different there. I went indoor tanning before we left, I wore SPF 30 and still came back pretty tan! HAVE A GREAT TIME!
  • happypath101
    happypath101 Posts: 534
    Find out everything you can about the off-shore excursions. There are usually tonnes of choices that include exercise, e.g. walking tours, kayaking, snorkling. Try to fit those in. You'll have fun and you'll burn some calories too.

    Don't forget that you can go dancing in the ship clubs at night! You'll have fun and exercise doing that too.

    Seek out healthy choices on the ship. I was surprised to find out there was a sunrise yoga session on the deck every morning. Admittedly, I never got up early enough to partake. But, that's a nice option. Also, you might find lots of healthy things on the menu. I usually ate from the "spa" menu. It was wonderful! I never felt deprived - especially because I had dessert too. :O)

    (I only gained 2 pounds on my cruise and it came off fast.)

    HAVE FUN!!!!!
  • Hodar
    Hodar Posts: 338 Member
    Just a few things I always do. Scan a copy of your passport, and place it in your luggage. If your Passport should disappear - you have something.

    Batteries, Film or SD Cards, make sure you bring them - sure you can get them at the stores, but they will charge you more. If you are worried about getting sea-sick, I highly recommend Bonine (Walmart in Rx dept. No perscription needed. ~$5 for more than you will need for the cruise). They taste like strawberry candy, they do NOT make you dizzy, tired or nautious - practially no side effects at all, unlike Dramamine. One little pill lasts like 12 hours.

    Suntan lotion, and I'm a big fan of the spray-on high block stuff for your face. Unlike the lotion that partially absorbs, then mixes with your sweat and makes your eyes red, bloodshot, sore and sensitive - the spray-on tends to soak in and not run into your eyes.

    Comfy flip-flops to take topside by the pool. Expect to get wet, as the pool feels WONDERFUL. Slipping into a comfy over-sized T-shirt and grabbing a snack in between reading, swimming and people watching.

    Grab a book you've always wanted to read - you will have tons of time.

    Every ship has an AMAZING Gym, so gym trunks or work-out clothes. Then, enjoy a nice sauna. You can't bring too many swim suits, short or light weight tops.

    Exercise moderately every day, and eat whatever sounds good - this is your VACATION, your diet will be back here waiting for your return. Enjoy yourself.
  • kaellinn18
    kaellinn18 Posts: 31 Member
    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!

    I would be careful about this, depending on your time schedule. In general this is probably fine, but depending on the cruise you may be in port for only a few hours. While these private groups will be cheaper than going through the cruise line, if something happens (car breaks down, inclement weather, etc) and you don't get back to port in time, your ship WILL leave without you. If you book an excursion through the cruise line and something happens, the ship will stay in port until you make it back. Just an FYI.
  • Sarahbara76
    Sarahbara76 Posts: 601 Member
    you will eat and you will eat A LOT!! Don't be afraid to order more then one dish at the fancy dinners but they don't care if you clean your plate..tips are VERY welcome often your houseboy/girl & serving team sends money back home(almost always overseas) and they will give you extra attention if you give them extra attention , treat them like what they are hard working people with interesting back stories.
    do excursions they are lovely and well worth the extra $$ and certain towns are just unsafe to wonder without a guide of a sort.
    dress nicely but do makeup and hair according to hot sticky weather and take your camera for sure!
    HAVE FUN AND PM with any questions I have been on 2 cruises so far and they were lovely!
  • lad323
    lad323 Posts: 82 Member
    Look at the www.cruisecritic.com
    They have a whole section for first time cruisers.

    I learned the hard way to BRING A WATCH. There are not a lot of clocks around the ship and all the activities have a start time.

    I've been on 6 cruises all Carnival so message me if you have any specific question about that line.

    I'm not sure what your budget is like but I would really recommend the Steak House for one meal especially if your going with a significant other. It cost extra ($30 a person or so) but it is an amazing experience.

    Have fun and don't let anyone experience ruin your whole cruise.

    **** I almost forgot, GET TRAVEL INSURANCE!!!! I always use Travel Guard, it is cheaper than going through the cruise line. This will be a life saver if there is a medical emergency during your cruise. Almost all will cover getting airlifted off the ship, something that can cost $100,000!!! ****
  • pglaf
    pglaf Posts: 257 Member
    I've enjoyed reading this.
    I just went on my first cruise last summer (to Alaska). I loved it and I'm hooked.

    Lots of great advice here.

    Have fun!!!!
  • jjelizalde
    jjelizalde Posts: 377 Member
    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.

    JM

    This covered everything you need to know. Cruising is a total BLAST! Enjoy it!
  • DAMNCHARLIE
    DAMNCHARLIE Posts: 569
    Don't know what the question is, but yes I will go!!!:smile:
  • LCBinGA
    LCBinGA Posts: 102 Member
    Most cruises have work out facilities.....but do they have fitness classes throughout the day too ??

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