First time on a cruise; any suggestions beforehand?

Question

First time on a cruise; any suggestions beforehand?

Answer 1

i think cruises are such a great experience. if you haven't chosen which cruiseline yet, i highly suggest carnival. the employees are sooooo friendly, the food gets better each time i go. the last time I went they were trying out a new menu (it was amazing). also plan your shore excursions before you go on the cruise; i suggest excursions not offered thru the cruise, but they're normally all good. HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

i know u will

P.S. I've been on 4 cruises, and i have enjoyed every one. if u have a negative outlook like answer 1 does. then i would expect you wont have much fun either. lol but really enjoy

P.P.S. oh yea and if you're worried about gaining weight, avoid stepping on the scale for a while after because amazing food is constantly available and oh so TEMPTING!! I gained 10 lbs. the last time I went!

Answer 2

Cruising is an absolute joy and I truly hope (and believe) that you will love it!

Check this site for beginner help http://www.all-about-cruise-vacations.co...

Answer 3

How coool!!!!  Bring a few fancy outfits.  They have an onboard photgrapher that take beautiful pictures.

Answer 4

If you are going to the Caribbeans or Mexico, you will probably need a passport.  Don't worry about bringing lots of clothes.  Try to stick to maybe three colors so that you do not need to pack a bunch of different shoes.  For ladies, I would recommend at least one cocktail dress for the captain's dinner and a few nice skirts for the other evenings.  For men, I would recommend at least one jacket.  Cruises are not as formal as the once were, but its still fun to look nice.

Answer 5

Cruises are one of THE best vacations you can take. Once you are on ship the staff caters to you, its whatever you want. There is something to do all day every day. When you arrive at the port to check in you (each passenger) will receive a key card which will serve as your room key, charge card for anything you buy on ship (i.e.,drinks, souvenir) and its also your pass to get on and off ship in each port. When you first board the ship the security personnel will have you insert your key card into a scanner and then will take a photo of you that is included in the magnetic strip on the card.  Each time you get off ship you will need this key card and many times also a photo ID (passport or driver's license). This card allows them to keep an accurate track of all passengers entering and/or leaving the ship.

First of all the terms "cabin" and "stateroom" mean the same thing; the cruise industry prefers stateroom.  The standard cabin that most people get (inside/outside/balcony) are generally between 175 and 200 Square feet, about the size of a 9 by 12 ft home bedroom (balconies are about 45 to 55 sq ft). Suites and penthouses can be between 350 and 1300 square feet. Each cabin has a two beds which can be made into a queen, a bathroom with a shower stall, a closet and some drawer space, a TV and telephone, a safe for valuables, and a life jacket for each passenger.  Some cabins that are built to accommodate 3 or 4 people will have a pull down bed and/or a sofa bed.  

Each day of your cruise you will receive in your cabin a "newsletter" listing the time, place and particulars of everything happening for you on ship. There are generally activities like demonstrations of ice carvings, napkin folding and towel folding, and cooking demonstrations.  Some ships may offer a galley (kitchen) tour or a tour of the bridge. There may be organized games and other activities around the pools. In the evenings there are generally shows, one show for those with an early dinner seating and another (same show) for those who eat late. There is always food available. Usually there is a place in ship where you can go get something. Or, you can always just pick up the phone in your cabin and order from the room service menu (food is free). If you want, you can order breakfast room service.

All ships have a casino with slots and table games. Ships have movie theaters, generally small but nice, and you can also see movies in your room. They have ATM’s and a purser’s desk where you can cash a check or exchange currency if you need to.  There is a tour and activities desk so you can schedule land tours and activities.

Ships have free morning exercise programs, stretching and walking, etc, and on some you can pay for other things like Spinning. All cruise ships have gyms so you can go workout, usually any time from 6:00 AM to late at night. There is usually a walking/running track on one of the decks also. Some ships leave the gym open all night. They call the gyms Spa because they do promote getting pampered with things like wraps and massages with aroma therapy. They will also generally have a beauty salon to do hair and nails.

There are always pools. Some ships have more than one and the newer ships generally have an indoor pool as well as outdoor ones and all of these have hot tubs. There is generally a basketball court on the top deck, a place for scuffle board, and a mini-golf course. The newer Royal Caribbean ships have a rock climbing wall and the newest one has a pool for water surfing.

There are places on ships to play cards and board games, and the cards and games are provided. If you want to just sit and read, there’s a library where you can bring your books or select one from the shelf.  Ships have internet cafes and some offer WIFI if you bring your prefer to use your computer in your cabin (some ships offer notebooks for rent).  There are cocktail lounges that feature a variety of music.  Some have a piano bar with jazz. There is usually a disco that starts after 10:00 PM each night and last until everyone leave.  On certain days ships will have special activities like a chocolate lovers buffet, or a midnight deck party .      

Some people worry about getting sea sick, but the ships being used these days have automated stabilizers which minimize the rocking.  The larger ships cut through the water so easy that you don’t even feel like you are moving.  When there is bad weather the cruise lines will steer around and away from it, sometimes changing the order of port stops.  Also, the ships generally move overnight and dock in the mornings so you don’t feel much movement. Consequently, your chances of getting sea sick are minimal. There is generally less motion than on an airplane.  If you do get

sick, all ships have a doctor and they will dispense sea sick medicines.  If you are prone to motion sickness, just get pills or a patch from your own doctor before you go, or go to a boating store and get a sea sickness bracelet.

Most 7-day cruises have two formal nights when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain.  The formal night attire is REQUESTED not required and you will not be denied access to the dining room if you do not dress up.  However, most people do dress up in formal or business clothes.  Others go "sports casual" which is what you would expect people to wear in a business office.  

The dress the rest of the time is casual and on shore or on tours just remember to wear comfortable walking shoes.  After 6:00Pm no shorts or swim wear except in the pool areas or the gym.

Review the listing of tours offered on your cruise and decide whether you want to pay for a tour or go on your own.  On most Caribbean islands you can get a taxi or tour in port for much less than the cruise ship tours.   HOWEVER, the one big advantage of going on ship sponsored tours is THE SHIP WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU if your ship sponsored tour is late getting back to the ship.  If you will be in a port for 12 to 16 hours you are probably safe to go on your own for most anything.  But if you are only there for six to eight hours you may want to stay close to the ship or go on the ship tours.

The hidden costs on a cruise are your tab after the cruise for drinks (alcoholic and sodas), tours, and gratuities.  Many ships now add the recommended gratuity to your on board tab. The gratuity is about $10 to $12 per day per person. You can give more if you want. Tours can add hundreds to your final bill, depending upon how many stop the ship makes and what you want to do. Study the tours carefully; some places you may want to just go on your own.

Answer 6

might have motion sickness, get some fresh air and look far out at sea, might make you feel better

Answer 7

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO WROTE AN ANSWER. THEY WERE ALL TRULY HELPFUL. EVEN THE SHORT SASSY ONES ARE HELPFUL. I CALLED MY DOC FOR THE PATCH, I WON'T PACK MUCH (A NICE OUTFIT OR TWO) I'LL MAKE DINNER RESERVATIONS RIGHT AWAY (AFTER WE TRY THE FREE STUFF) AND WE'RE ALL LOOKING AT THE EXCURSIONS AHEAD OF TIME. WE'LL BE ON THE NEW NORWEGIAN SHIP THE "PEARL".

THANKS AGAIN  JC

Answer 8

I don't want to right a long, boring anwser. I have been on 6 cruises, love them so much. I reccomend you be prepared for the best experience of your life. Don't worry about the room. If its nice, use it, if its okay, just sleep there. Get involved. If you don't want to be in the bellyflop contest, cheer the guys on. Raise your hand for any voulenteering. Go to trivia, even if your not smart, its alot of fun. Talk to the Cruise Director, he or she will help you. Don't take your employees for granted, they are on that boat for 7 months+. Bring your cabin stewarts food from room service or the buffet. Also bring htem gifts. They don't get the best food. Have fun with the waiters. Just have fun altogether. Thats everything, if you have more questions, please ask. I am south jersey's leading cruise expet, and would love to help. Also use cruise critic.com reviews. And study the ship. You should know it before you get on, just so you don't spend the majority of your cruise trying to find youre cabin!!! Good Luck, have fun!!!

Answer 9

Pack your bags then return 1/2 of what you pack to your closet.  Have fun. Participate in everything. Participation is 1/2 the fun.  Don't worry about things. Relax and enjoy yourself. Be prepared to eat, eat, eat.

Answer 10

your room is going to be small so be aware of over packing and also the first night you might feel alittle sea sick but it will help you sleep

Answer 11

Don't fall overboard.

Answer 12

I've been on six cruises (if I'm counting right) and loved them all.  I've also never felt a twinge of seasickness, and I've known very few fellow passengers to get sick (slightly) and need to lie down for a bit.  A few hints:

1) Bring along some entertainment--books, crossword puzzles, portable DVD players (and DVDs!).  A three-day cruise will fly by, but after about five nights of playing and partying, you will just want to sit back and relax.

2) Attend the semi-formal dinners in the fancy eating room.  Great food, and everyone wants to have a good time.  You might end of spending a lot of your time with your dinner companions on shore trips, in the casino, etc.

3) Don't feel obligated to participate in anything or everything.  It's YOUR trip, so sample the activities and see what you like.  The bellyflop contest isn't everyone's cup of tea, but the evening stage shows are usually pretty good.

4) If you drink, limit yourself to a few a day.  You don't want to be hit with a big bill (that you WILL have to settle before leaving the ship) on the last night.  Besides, you also don't want to have a hangover the day you're supposed to be scuba diving.

5) If you need anything during the trip, ask just about any of the crew.  They aim to please, from the captain down to the lowliest busboy.  And make sure you tip the waiters and the cleaners--their salaries are low, and tips keep them going.  Also, I like to hang in one spot and read at certain times of the day, which means I'll have the same drink person checking on me regularly, so I'll tip him/her.

Have fun!

Answer 13

Prepare for boredom.

Answer 14

There is so much to do on the ship, you will always be busy. If there is a show or any activity going on that you want to watch/participate in, make sure you go! You will regret it if you dont

Take advantage of everything offered to you. Try everything at least once.

Once you get to the ports that you will stop at, spend some time looking around, visiting shops and whatnot. If you have a long day, book an off shore excursion... If you will only be there for a couple hours, dont waste your time.... You can go to a beach, golfing, or fishing in america....

Answer 15

don't listen to the first guy boredom is not at a factor . i have only been on one cruise so far have another in the works  but never got sea sick at all we had a ball the best fun i ever had  but do take a few dressy out fits . don't over pack we all do lol  just have a great time do understand not every one on ship is nice so don't be alone take a friend if you go out  of cabin  hope you have a blast .

Answer 16

You will be eating nonstop...make sure you take advantage of the on-board excercise facilities.  Other than that, bring some dramamine if you get seasick.  Have fun!

Answer 17

Bring seasickness meds take before you board.  Take something semi-formal to wear for dinner for a 3 night cruise 2 outfits for a 5 night cruise.  Also bring a book if you like to read its a great time to catch up on some reading and to relax.  Book spa sessions early if there is something you want done at a specific time.  Also for the ports of call excursions plan ahead and book them early.  Usually the goods one fill up first.  So check your little guide and if there is something you really want to do schedule it because you never know if you'll get the chance again.

Oh have fun :)

Answer 18

the cruise in which u travel have a adivsory seesion a week beofre the journey commence..which most of the traveller were not aware of.....

i would suggest you to get prepared for sea sickness

Answer 19

1) Take some fancy dresses with you, cause you will have to dress NICE for dinner.

2) Take your camera, you will want lots of pictures of the lovely water, and the lovely food, and get someone to take pictures of you standing on the deck of the boat. Also if you meet any new friends, you will want pictures of them.

3) Don't drink too much and get drunk. (having a hangover on a boat is NOT fun! lol)

4) Mingle, talk, meet new people, but don't hook up with any of them and have a one-night stand, if you do then use a condom.

5) Have Fun and Enjoy the cruise, hunny.

Cheers

Answer 20

I read the posts regarding your question. Most people tend to say be prepared to be sick. This is NOT the case with MOST people. Most people don't get seasick. It is more likely if you go on a small or smaller ship because you will feel a lot more motion on a smaller ship. Also, placement on the ship is key. Mid-ship is always the best for your cabin. As far as to what you should pack or expect on a cruise, visit this website click on cruises, then on the first time cruisers information. Loaded with tons of information. http://readyforvacation.com

Enjoy your cruise!

Answer 21

Well!! since it's your first time you are bound to get sea sick, so you should bring some Pepto-bismol and tea bags, but other than that you'll enjoy it alot.