Advice for a first time cruiser?

Question

So we're going on a cruise (first time for both of us). What are some tips and pieces of advice from those of you who are a bit more seasoned? We are flying from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale and then taking a Princess Cruise to St. Maarten, St. Thomas and the Princess Cays. Any advice regarding onboard events, general advice, or tips for shor excursions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

I am a seller of cruises, resort and all-inclusive resort vacation.

1. Make sure each traveler has a seperate carry-on bag.  You will give you luggare to a porter at the pier and might not see it again until 7:00 PM or later.  In the bag put your cruise documents, ID and passport, a complete change of close, your toilet kit, any medications, your valuable, your camera, a book and a bathing suite.

As fo packing, we always bring a few extra coat hangers just in case.  I have tons of great tips that I can share.

As for shore excursions, check out shoretrips.com.  They are great!  I use them all the time and so bo my clients.  Their excursions are generaly less expensive and they have less people on them so you get more individual attention.

feel free to email me at [e-mail] and I will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Answer 2

The best things to do are relax by the pool. Don't stay in the room because there is more stuff to do. In the morning there will be an artinerary placed under your door. Check it out...you might find something you enjoy.

Book ALL your excurtions before you go on the cruise because, otherwise, you may not get what you want.

Also, make sure you bring as LITTLE of jewelry as possible. Don't wear any on excursions and remember...some places are like NYC. Keep your belongings close when you're out and about (ship not included).

Also make sure that you bring all "female" products if you know you're due a week after you leave the cruise. You never know...it may come early. Hope that information helps. Let me know if you need more.

Answer 3

Wear plenty sunscreen.  Never pay asking price for goods at places you visit, start off at half what they're asking.  Take something for seasickness everyday.  Bring twice the money you already think you'll need.

And.....

Your bar bill WILL be twice what you think it will be by the time the cruise is over.

Have fun.  I've been on three cruises out of New Orleans.  Great time!

Answer 4

hello

there are many events which take place on board throughout the day and even at night.

there are shows,parties and many other events on the cruise.

u can enjoy in the pool too.

some cruises offer games also for the passengers.

if u go on shore excursion do not carry much luggage with u.

if u want to shop take a shopping tour otherwise take a sightseeing tour.

and be on time on your shore excursions.

Answer 5

make sure you bring all personal items you may need (including smokes if you do) because anything you have to buy on the ship will cost you an arm and a leg.

Answer 6

Meals and oh board entertainment are included with the price of the cruise, drinks are NOT! And they are expensive.

As far as shore excursions, just got back from St. Maarten/St. Martin and St. Thomas, take a snorkel excursion and you won't be disappointed. The white beaches and clear water are great and you'll see lots of fish and coral. As a first time cruiser, my advise to to book shore excursions through Princess as they will make certain you get to the place and back to the ship. With independent excursions or on your own, it is up to you to be back to the ship on time and sometimes there are little extras that can pop up. With cruise line excursions, all that is included without any surprises.

When getting off the ship, take a f***y pack to put your ID's, ship card, credit cards and cash. Take the strap on the f***y pack and wrap it around your belt once before clipping it so if someone tries to take it, it will be harder to take and you'll also feel them tug on it.

When going back to the ship, you'll go through port security to get to the ship. In St. Martin it's a gate and in St. Maarten it's a long line of turnstyles. Have your photo ID and ship card out and held up to show them and they just pass you through without any trouble. And yes, you can go back and forth from the ship out of the port and back in as many times as you want.

In St. Maarten, if you want to go into town, take the water taxi just out the part security gate. If you want a regular taxi, go outside the port security gate and in back of the Duty Free store on the right is the taxis. Just tell the taxi porter where you want to go and he'll take care of everything. If you need one back, tell a store clerk to call one and they will be happy to call one for you. They are really good at this.

In St. Thomas, you are docked pretty much right in town.

As far as cigerettes, they are cheaper on board by geting them in the shops (my brand is $3.50 here, $2.11 on ship) but you have to buy them in a carton. If you buy an individual pack from the bars they are like $4.50/$5.00. (don't worry about Customs, they don't bother you bringing back a carton)