Going on a cruise any one have any tips or sugestions???

Question

We are going on a cruise to the Bahamas next week. None of us have ever been on a cruise before and we want to know if any vetrans have any tips to make the experiance more fun/enjoyable.

Answer 1

I just went to the Bahamas last October.  I must say that I wasn't very impressed with the islands.  They were very trashy.  It looked like a hurricane had hit them.  (but it hadn't)

We did a couple shore excursions, glass bottom boat and the market shopping.  

I would not recommend either of them.  Snorkeling sounds fun, but I am too chicken to swim in the ocean with sharks.  

I wish that I would have just spent the day on one of the beaches while I was there.

We took Carnival Victory out of Charleston.  The boat was BEAUTIFUL...

At least I can say that I have been to the bahamas, but I would not go back again.

Hope you have fun anyways.  It's always fun to get out of the country...!

Answer 2

Sure. Cruises are fun. Couple of things:

1. bring lots of dramamine. If ur not a sailor, most ppl wind up getting seasick from the constant gentle rocking of the boat, esp. below the deck.

2. contrary to pop. myth, u CAN bring alcohol onboard- usually a couple of liters, unopened. Do this as much as you can at each port to avoid paying for drinks on the ship. I can guarantee the bar tab going to be 3x what u expected.  

3. bring plenty of medicine. theres not a fully staffed medical team on board, so if u get really ill, ur going to be shipped back to the US

4. cruising is tremendous business for island locals. Avoid the flashiest land activity vendors, and seek the ones toward the back. They're usually cheaper, more friendly and can take u to some out-of-the way sights.

5. Be accustomed to the ways of the locals at port. U'll simply have a better experience- the locals will show u the best food stands and locals markets. Stand out as a typical overindulged American with an attitude and a sunburn, and everyones going to point u to the local Carlos and Charlie's.

6. IMPORTANT. Be super nice to ur room steward. Trust me- these guys can be ur best friends on the boat. They visit these spots day in and day out, so they know the best private locales anywhere, and can get some of their local friends to take u out. A good tip is always in order for the hard work they do.

7. Bring lots of cash before u get onboard. Cruise boats are not US fed regulated, so ull get fleeced for withdrawals.  Every room has a safe. Just put the extra in there.

Answer 3

As far as packing goes, pack less than you think you need...you will buy things there and you can always mix and match outfits for dinner on the ship. DO SNORKEL!!! We had 2 different snokeling adventures on our last cruise and they were both different and very beautiful!! LOVED IT!!! Can't wait to go back!! An under water camera is always good to have...we wished we had taken an extra one! (We only took 2) Other than that...just have fun. Don't try to plan out every little detail or you will drive yourselves nuts! Just go with the flow and relax! Have fun!!

Answer 4

OH!! HOW COOL!

I'm only 14 and I've been on 3 of 'em!! :D

I LOVE THEM!

I've been to the Bahamas twice, Barbados, Aruba, Dominica, twice to St.Thomas, St. Martin& St. Maartin, Puerto Rico, Caymen Islands, & Cozumel

And when I went to the Bahamas we went to the Atlantis hotel and explored it that was amazing!

Plus on the cruise ship it self, make sure you stop by the shows that they have at night, swim in the pools, eat the PIZZA and ICE CREAM :P, trust me, the food is sooo beyond tempting, and you'll surely gain about 10 lbs after it! haha just kidding

but have a wonderful time!! Say hello to the Caribbean for me =]

Answer 5

dont drink so much you fall overboard- this is common sense

Answer 6

Bahamas, how fun!!!  And who can't forget their first cruising experience?  :D

Don't forget an alarm clock!  Being in the sun all day can be exhausting, so make sure you bring one on so you won't miss any fun activities.  It's also a MUST if you're in an inside cabin, because the total darkness with mess with your body clock.  It's also important for the day you disembark!

Garment bags are a must!  You can get your clothes pressed, but it really makes it easier to have it all nice and neat.

EXTENSION CORD.  I cannot emphasize how important this is!  You usually get just ONE outlet - not cool if you need to plug in a curling iron, alarm clock, phone charger, blow dryer, etc.

You may even be able to bring on your favorite vintage wine!  Give your cruise line a call - they may only charge you a small corking fee to have it at dinner.

Sunblock and shades...  Boy is that a must!

I highly recommend getting a massage at the cruiseship spa.  Getting completely pampered onboard is an experience like no other.  Make sure you book it on the first day you're onboard though, appointments can get booked up pretty quickly!

Go on their expeditions!  It's so much better than wandering aimlessly plus you get to do things that will usually take a lot of research and planning.  And of course you'll also be ensured that you'll get back to the ship safely and on time.  Some of the things you an do off the boat are shopping tours, wine tasting tours, golfing, scuba diving/snokeling, etc.  It really maximizes your trip.

Don't forget room service!  It's usually free!

Bring some non-drowsy Dramamine.  I come across alot of sea sick people, especially on the first day.  Amazingly, I've also ran into a bunch of people who swear by these magnet bracelets (they'll sell it onboard).

You can save big $$$ on buying bottles of alcohol on board, but they usually won't let you have it until almost the end of the cruise.

Sit at a big dinner table!  That way, your chances of coming across people you like a bigger and it's easier to ignore people you can't stand.

Bring your business cards!  Lots of people like to network onboard.

Digital camera with an extra card is a MUST.  And take pictures constantly, even when you don't feel like you need to.  You'll appreciate it later!  Never be afraid of making silly and funny faces  lol  I take pictures of ridiculous things, from the murals on the walls to what I eat for dinner to sunsets from the ship.  It makes an interesting slideshow for your friends and families!

Take advantage of the professional photographers.  We have our cruise ship photos in nice frames around the house.  One even ended up being on our Christmas card!

Seriously, the blackjack table at the casino rips you off.  We spent a fair amount of time there and we didn't see even one person walk away a winner.

Take note of what time your favorite cafes close.  It's a pain when you're craving a leg of lamb and you find out that they're shut down for cleaning!  Uggg!

It may be hot down there, but bring a shawl and a jacket and whatnot.  The air conditioning sometimes on the ship can make you think you're in the Arctic!

Get involved!  That is the BEST way to maximize fun on your trip!  Go see the shows, play their silly games during their open deck parties, go take salsa lessons if they have it.  It makes fabulous dinner table conversation.

You're going to gain weight.  But you know what?  Who cares!  Accept now that you'll be carrying the extra bulge when you get off the ship but know that it was worth it!  lol

Although some cruiseships absolutely refuse to deal with cash (they just link everything to your credit card), you should still bring a bunch for doing your tourist stuff on the island.  Plus, an extra tip here and there for your steward never hurts.  ;)

Cruises are sooo addicting...  Make sure you sign up for their frequent cruising programs.

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!