Anyone here been on a cruise?

Question

What is it like? Is it as great as they say? I am probably going to do a cruise to Mexico. Any tips?

Answer 1

Yes!  It's awesome!  Go!  Haggle lots.  Don't pay what they ask.  Take tons of pix!  Know what the weather is there, not here.  Don't drink the water.  Do lots of excursions.  Don't buy things on the boat.  Don't book excursions through the boat.  You can find them cheaper on your own.

Answer 2

Well, I went on my first cruise last year, to Bermuda. It was on the Royal Caribbean cruise line, and I've got to tell you: IT WAS MAGICAL... Warning: I write a lot, so here goes!

Since it was going to be my first, I spent weeks researching about what it would be like, what to expect, taking virtual 360 degree tours of our ship, etc.

The first day, we registered and ran towards the ship, only to be bombarded by photographers (yes, they take pictures ALL THE TIME). We managed to get on the ship. While my parents registered, we looked up at the glass elevator and the, well, HUGENESS of the ship (by the way, Empress of the Seas is the smallest of all royal caribbean ships, and i was still impressed by its size). Anyway, I just got this feeling of wow! This is going to be a great week...

We got to our room, which I had to share with my sister. We barely managed to stack our suitcases on top of each other in the small closet. We had 2 small beds, a tiny bathroom, and cute little T.V. Sure everything was squashed, but, well, you go for the SHIP, not to stay cooped up in your room! Before leaving, there was a mandatory practice escape drill. YES, you MUST go to these drills, but it's really short. Finally, we got back to our room, and got dressed for dinner. Then we headed to the very fancy Carmen dining room.

Cruises are just as fancy everyone says they are. Dinner is no exception. They offered this steak, black angus in butter garlic sauce, and it was sooooo amazing!!! It's the best steak, and is supposedly mega expensive in restaurants. When you order it on the cruise (at dining room dinner) it's FREE! I knew this was the chance of a lifetime, so I seriously ordered it 3 out of the 7 nights that week. Sooo delicious....Dessert is great too.

By this time, we were cruising and on our way to Bermuda. During the total of 4 1/2 days you spend on the ship, you can rock climb, swim, ice skate, join teen groups, or other groups, excercise in the gym, eat, shop, or just hang out. (well, we didn't have a skating rink, but other ships do).

Don't worry, you get to know the ship after about 1 day. Explore, it's so much fun!!!

When you get to wherever you're going, get off that ship as fast as you can and enjoy life off the ship! (Note* don't rush down any stairs when you get on land, you'll be so used to the rocking of the ship that you may not be used to running down stairs.) Take tons of pics, walk around, get to know the culture, etc. After all, you spend more time on the ship than on land, so spend your time well.

Of course you can't forget formal nights on cruise ships. Generally, (on 7 night cruises) there are 2 formal nights. The first night is the fanciest. Phontographers are everywhere, and beware. They're not free. In fact, they're pretty expensive. So try not to get your pic taken unless you really want it.

Your cabin is okay, easy to get used to. Unless, of course, there is a disco party raging above your head every night 'till 2 in the morning (yes, it happened to me).

If you get motion sickness, there is always medicine, or a weird looking band that has a round ball in the middle that you wear around your wrist. It really helps.

Well, that's all for now. I hope you enjoy your cruise.

So go ahead! Get all excited! This is going to be one of the best weeks of your life!!!

Answer 3

I just went on my first cruise in Dec. It was a very cool and fun expericence. But if you are going to Mexico...go during the winter so it's not as hot there. I went to the Caribbean in the winter becaues of the weather and  because of summer hurricane season. Alaskan cruises are better for summer time. I hope you relax and enjoy yourself! Best wishes!:):):)

Answer 4

A few years ago, I went on a cruise to the Bahamas because a friend was getting married on board the ship. I had an okay-but-not-great time. Friends who gamble had a fantastic time in the casino, but that really isn't my thing. The shows were pretty good, but the cruise I was on was short and didn't offer all the wonderful things I had heard about.

Also, I had heard the food would be great but those reports were from people who had confused quality with quantity. There was a lot of food, and all of it was good, but not great.

Still, just because the cruise wasn't my thing, I can't say I advise against them. I have another friend who goes on at least one per year and loves them. She finds it incredibly relaxing to just sit by the pool reading magazines while waiters bring her drinks. She also takes advantage of the dance lessons, shows, and other activities. If you are looking to just relax, I'd say go for it!

Answer 5

44 and just went to Cosumel and Costa Maya in Mex. it was great the Tulim ruins were nice a must see only not enuff time there and the clear water kyacs were ok but didn't really see any sea life when they approach you to buy some thing don't be shy to offer 1/3 of what they are asking you'll probably get it at that price.Drinks are kinda high but most meals are free its well worth the money as a couple we spent about 1500 amd had a good time well worth it for 6 days and 5 nights.

Answer 6

cruises are the best vacation ever. have been on carnival and princess ships. taking one in Oct with Norwegian doing the south Caribbean. love the fact everything is paid for except alcohol and stuff you buy. would rec commend a cruise to anyone they will fall in love with cruising.

Answer 7

Yes, I have. My aunt and uncle took me on a cruise to the Bahamas when I was 15.  It was great! Just remember: don't pack clothes that are appropriate for where you are right now; pack according to how the weather is going to be where you're going. Take enough money, and spend smart when you get there. Make sure you have enough cameras! And, have fun!!!! :)

ps-don't forget to pack a nice evening gown for what most cruise ships call Captain's night. Everyone gets all dressed up and dinner is served. It's awesome. Everyone looks like they're going to prom again.

Answer 8

Cruises are soooooooo much fun..... if you come back home saying you didn't have a good time....then that must have meant you stayed in your room all week ... LOL.

We went on Carnival Cruise Line.... there was a dance club,,,comedy club....karoake club....... pools..... library....deck party.., they played games on deck by the pool........ casino....., all you can eat buffet....., lounge...spa....gym.That was on the ship.... when we got off at Nassau, Bahamas,,,we rented scooters and went all over the island....and for dinner we went to Senor Frog... where we ate....and then partied....it was AWESOME !!!

Answer 9

Cruises are absolutely amazing!  Once you go, you have to go again, and again, and again, and again.  Tips I have for you are to bring a lot of money for souveneirs and stuff.  Also, bring both cold and warm weather clothes just in case.  You should also bring your own pillow.  Cruise ship pillows aren't very comfortable.

Answer 10

I went to the western Caribean with Holland America, it was amazing...you will never go bore. The one thing i liked the most from the cruise is that you get to meet so many people, different cultures if you hang around people other than your area. Activities go 24/7 all kind of entertainment, the ports of call were really nice too....

We met  a couple who are adicted to cruising, they have been on a cruise 115 times...can you imagine?  every time is different...!  you will not regret it....do it...do it!