Going on a cruise...help!!!?

Question

My husband and I are going on a Royal Caribbean Cruise next month. Does anyone have any advice, suggestions, or tips for cruising based on personal experience? I know the basics...but is there anything that we may not think to prepare for?

Answer 1

I haven't been specifically on Royal Caribbean, but if this your first cruise here are a couple of websites that you might find helpful and informative:

http://www.squidoo.com/Mexico_Cruise

and

http://vgsims.traverustravel.com/whycrui...

Have a great time!

Answer 2

I was on a Princess cruise earlier this year----travel light,bring some reading,meet some new people,leave your phones off---relax

Answer 3

the one surprise i got on my cruise this year (doesn't count if yours is all inclusive of course) is that we couldn't pay for anything on board in cash! they give you a little card and tot up a bill using that which you pay up for at the end of the trip. okay i guess if there are only 2 of you, but a group of 4 of us went and let's just say at the end after a few nights in the bar... the bill was pretty steep.

just look out for that if you aren't all inclusive!

Answer 4

Royal Caribbean cruising is probably one of the best experiences I've ever had. Don't stress-you don't have to. Royal Caribbean makes everything something to remember. Whether it's the amazing decor or the wonderful service, you'll never be bored.

I suggest the rock climbing wall, because it feels so cool climbing. Don't put anything with a lot of value in the safe. there is a reset button.

Answer 5

When you say you know the basics, I assume you understand about your room, dining, entertainment, what to wear, what to do on board, etc.

So, let's talk about enjoying your visits to the islands (I assume this is a Caribbean cruise).

You can book the island tours offered by the Cruise Line, or you can book a tour by a professional tour group on the island, or you can find a good cab driver to show you around, or you can just start out on your own and hope you find everything you should see.

We usually find a good cab driver.  Although this can be risky (some are not totally honest), we have never had a problem if we use the dockside cab dispatcher to find us a tour guide.  Usually cheaper than group tours and much more enjoyable.  Just agree on a price before you start out.  We've had 8-hour tours for the price of 3 hours, and we saw places and sights that a group tour never shows you.  We've had meals in some fantiastic non-tourist restaurants and have attended an actual island funeral complete with all the traditions and folklore of the native people (which was extremely festive and interesting).  And most important of all, we saw the "real" island, including the rich and poor sections, instead of the "tourist" version.

Answer 6

Check out cruisecritic.com. There are roll calls so that you can "meet people" before you even board. There are tips on excursions, fashions, packing, sea sickness,  and meal times. Have a great time.